Chris Wilder has dismissed as nonsense claims that Riley McGree’s decision to join Middlesbrough was based on finance.
On Sunday news emerged of Celtic’s interest in the midfielder with sources in Australia and the United States claiming that a transfer deal was well advanced with Charlotte FC.
Nothing was heard directly from the player or either club but on Wednesday it seemed that Middlesbrough were in pole position to sign McGree who spent the first half of this season on loan at Birmingham City.
Ange Postecoglou confirmed yesterday that Celtic’s interest had ended with social media reports suggesting that Middlesbrough had outbid the hoops in terms of a transfer fee and personal terms.
?? CW: “You understand the mentality of Australian sportspeople and understanding, after speaking to Riley, what he’s about and what makes him tick.
“He’s ambitious, he’s aggressive, he wants to do well, he’s a winner.” https://t.co/uxzP9oEcS1
— Matty Jones (@MattyJones93) January 14, 2022
Boro are hopeful that McGree will be involved tomorrow and are now awaiting international clearance.
Chris Wilder delighted to tie down a young player to a permanent deal.#Boro | #UTB https://t.co/OUZ3dKQOGj
— Matty Jones (@MattyJones93) January 14, 2022
The Northern Echo reports:
While a reported fee of £5 million for McGree has done the rounds, it’s understood to be wide of the mark with the fee considered to be substantially less.
With Boro conducting a busy January transfer window and looking set to confirm their fourth signing, Wilder was quick to debunk rumours that a lot of money has been spent to get these players in.
The Boro boss added: “There is a lot of nonsense being talked by the way, I need to get to the bottom of it, that we’ve blown people out of the water in terms of fees, wages with Flo (Balogun), Aaron Connolly, with Riley McGree. We’ve been into these players for a while now.
Middlesbrough are currently in seventh place in the English Championship, one point away from a Play-Off place and nine behind Fulham in the second automatic promotion place.
After signing three players from the J-League on December 31 Postecoglou has played down the prospect of any more signings being imminent.
UPDATE: Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of Charlotte FC midfielder Riley McGree for £2.5m, plus add-ons.
Deal expected to be completed this week.
As reported last night, talks between the player and Celtic had stalled.
(Also w/@SkySports_Keith & @SkySportsLyall) https://t.co/IsIVYZvQV1
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 12, 2022
You simply do not go to Middlesbrough to win things. You go there for the money and because its easy – no pressure. You come to Celtic to win medals and trophies and to play in European competitions on a regular basis. And when you have done that you can look back on those achievements with a sense of pride and satisfaction Wilder said “He’s ambitious, he’s aggressive, he wants to do well, he’s a winner.” What’s he doing going to Middlesbrough then?
Well said himuptheroad no other reason than money.
with no ambition he ‘s not for the mighty Celtic.
Good luck son, but you have made your decision and Most Celtic fans are disappointed but wish you Well HH, stuck in the Championshi.You can’t spend Medals.
An silly impatient boy with money on his mind, doesn’t realise it’s more likely he’ll languish in relative obscurity in a career with little or no medals. Whereas if he had come to us, even for 2 years, would have played in Europe, likely won something, and would have boosted his profile enough to perhaps earn a far more lucrative move directly to the EPL.
Silly boy. Ah well, if he’s in the game for money he’s in it for all the wrong reasons and so I’d rather not have that kind of player at the club. Similarly from what I read of this Hannes Wolf lad, he seems another who isn’t willing to put in the work so no thanks there from me.
Of course, Ange says all that nonsense is made up pish, so…good!
he has made a big mistake going there he is not going to win anything with middlsbrough
Who gives a fck
Celtic moved on why not Middlesborough seems they desprate for headlines off course money is factor you can belief different