Championship Twist: Middlesbrough target speedster in bid to beat promotion rivals

Middlesbrough have reportedly joined the race to sign a forward described as “very strong technically”, although they are expected to face competition from several Championship promotion rivals.

The Teesside club saw their push for promotion take a setback on Wednesday evening after a surprising 1–0 home defeat to Charlton Athletic. Manager Kim Hellberg admitted he was “very disappointed” with the result and criticised his team’s finishing, labelling it “absolutely terrible”.

Despite dominating the chances, Middlesbrough registered an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.30 compared to Charlton’s 0.73, but their failure to convert opportunities ultimately proved costly. The result also allowed third-placed Millwall to close the gap to just one point after securing a 1–0 victory over Derby County.

With nine matches remaining in the Championship season, the Riverside Stadium side still occupy a strong position in the promotion race. However, recent results suggest signs of inconsistency, having also drawn at home against struggling Oxford United and Leicester City last month.

Hellberg’s frustration with his side’s finishing could prompt the club to strengthen their attacking options in the summer, regardless of which division they are playing in next season. As a result, a forward currently competing in the UEFA Conference League has emerged as a potential target.

According to Sports Boom, Middlesbrough have now entered the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Prosper Obah, joining fellow promotion hopefuls Coventry City and Southampton in monitoring the situation.

Shakhtar are believed to be open to a sale for around €20 million (£17 million) this summer. The winger, who can also operate in a number 10 role, may find the prospect of moving to the Premier League difficult to ignore should the opportunity arise.

At present, no official offers have been submitted, but Middlesbrough are said to be keeping a close eye on the Nigerian’s performances and could consider making an approach by May if his form continues to impress.

The 22-year-old could potentially provide the cutting edge Middlesbrough have recently lacked. Obah has shown a consistent scoring touch in the Ukrainian Premier League this season, finding the net seven times in 17 appearances.

Following his move to Shakhtar Donetsk in December, former LNZ Cherkasy forward Obah also received praise from manager Arda Turan, who highlighted the player’s technical quality and pace. Turan noted that Obah’s ability to protect the ball and his speed were key attributes that made him stand out.

While the Nigerian has demonstrated promising signs in Ukraine, Middlesbrough may ultimately prefer to recruit players with experience in English football should they secure promotion. The club is also expected to compete with Wrexham in pursuit of a Championship striker as they assess their attacking options.