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da betobet： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Jonathan Woodgate has told TeesideLive that Celtic target Britt Assombalonga won’t be leaving Middlesbrough this summer.
What’s the story?
The Boro manager has stated his desire to keep the Congolese forward at the club, dashing the hopes of Neil Lennon. The Nothern Echo had reported that the Celts were in for the striker early in this window.
Woodgate did not beat around the bush when stating where his forward’s future lies: “Britt Assombalonga is a Middlesbrough player for the future. And now. Britt will score you goals wherever he plays. His record shows it. If he gets an arm round him, gets that confidence he will score goals.”
Despite finishing as the club’s top scorer last season with 16 goals, the report details how he was often isolated as a lone striker for Tony Pulis’ Boro side last term, which could have led to an exit.
Yet, with the former Real Madrid defender in charge, it appears he’ll be a key cog for the Championship club in the next campaign.
While Celtic certainly could use some more depth behind Odsonne Edouard, Woodgate’s faith in Assombalonga might just be a blessing in disguise for one man at Parkhead.
The return of Griffiths
Leigh Griffiths is back. Back scoring goals and looking happy on a football pitch again. His stunning free-kick against Nomme Kalju shows he’s not lost any of his mercurial talent in his time away from football, as he took a sabbatical from the game to focus on his mental health.
While it’s very early for sweeping statements, the 28-year-old does look ready to have, at least, a supporting role this season. In Edouard, the Bhoys have a reliable goalscorer so there shouldn’t be too much pressure on Griffiths to perform instantly.
Yet, the signing of Assombalonga or a similar target could have really stimied the return of the Scotland international, who will need game time to get back to his old self.
Woodgate’s update, while irritating for the club as they miss out on another target, should free up the vital space needed for Griffiths to grow and develop back to his old level, or perhaps even further.
The 28-year-old is a match-winner capable of sublime moments so should be given every chance by Lennon to reassert himself into his starting XI, and not forced down the pecking order by a new signing.
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