Reported Leeds United target Kelechi Iheanacho insists he is ‘really excited’ to become a Middlesbrough player having made the deadline day switch from Sevilla to the Riverside.
Though you wouldn’t have guessed it, perhaps, on the back of his introductory interview as a Boro player.
They say actions speak louder than words, however. And the Middlesbrough faithful may be hoping that Kelechi Iheanacho saves his talking for the pitch.
Because his opening interview after returning to England on loan from Sevilla did not exactly paint the picture of a footballer raring to go back in the second-tier after an opportunity to rebuild his reputation in Spain’s top flight fell flat.
Leeds were heavily linked with Kelechi Iheanacho too despite their number one target for the striking department understood to be Southampton’s Cameron Archer. And after the Championship table-toppers ended the window without a single mid-season addition, Daniel Farke highlighted the difficulties bringing in a player who would not be guaranteed a starting role, especially in a team with so much talent in the final third.
Would Iheanacho really have ousted Joel Piroe at Leeds United? Would the versatile Nigerian have relegated Brenden Aaronson to the bench?
Kelechi Iheanacho explains Middlesbrough move after Leeds United links
One thing is for sure, regular minutes should be far easier to come by at Middlesbrough.
Especially after Michael Carrick’s stalling side sold star striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to big-spending MLS outfit Atlanta United.
“I’m really excited to be here. I’m really happy,” Iheanacho tells Boro’s in-house media channel, albeit the expression on his face not quite matching his words.
“Obviously, [Middlesbrough have] a good coaching team. I played against them a few times and I think it’s a really good club. The manager [Carrick] is a really nice guy so I can’t wait to get started.”
Boro have won just three of their last 12 matches in league and cup, a potentially season-defining run kick-started by December’s 3-1 loss at Elland Road.
Ryan Giles’ 87th minute own goal on Monday night consigned Carrick’s team to yet another defeat, this time at home to North East neighbours Sunderland.
As a result, Iheanacho arrives at a club slipping away from the play-off picture and under pressure to immediately step into the shoes of departed talisman Latte Lath.
No pressure, then.
Iheanacho’s title-winning experience at Leicester City should help Boro
Carrick will be hoping that Iheanacho can bring a much-needed winning mentality to the Riverside. The former Manchester City starlet was part of the Leicester team which beat Leeds to the Championship title under now-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca last season.
“It was a good experience playing in the Championship with Leicester City and winning,” Iheanacho adds. “I have played in the Championship. I know how it is.
“I’m feeling ready. I’m ready to go. I can’t wait to get started. It’s a good club here and the Championship is great. Let’s see how it goes.
“To be fair, I’m not a good fan of setting targets but [the aim] will be, collectively as a team, as a squad, to get to the Premier League.”
Back in Yorkshire, Daniel Farke insists he is confident in Leeds’ striking options.
Leeds rejected a £10 million bid from Real Betis for Mateo Joseph, while Joel Piroe ended his mini-goal drought in that 7-0 thrashing of Cardiff City last time out.
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