MIDDLESBROUGH have officially confirmed the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion striker Aaron Connolly on loan until the end of the season.
Aaron Connolly becomes #Boro's first signing of the January window, arriving on loan from @OfficialBHAFC ✍️
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 2, 2022
Welcome to #Boro, Aaron! 👋 #UTB
The 21-year-old has been on Teesside completing the formalities of the deal. He now goes straight into contention for their FA Cup third round tie against Mansfield.
Wilder and Head of Recruitment Keiron Scott have been working behind the scenes for a number of weeks to get signings in ahead of time and Connolly is the first through the door in what is expected to be a busy transfer window at the club.
The 21-year-old has scored five goals in 24 starts for the Seagulls since coming through their academy but is out of favour featuring just eight times this season.
Connolly tweeted: "Buzzing to be here and can't wait to get started. Boro let's get it. #UTB."
🙋♂️🤣 Buzzing to be here and can’t wait to get started @Boro let’s get it.. #UTB https://t.co/rWWzzzC9hp
— Aaron Connolly (@AaronConnolly_9) January 2, 2022
Manager Chris Wilder said: “I’m delighted. It’s an area of the pitch we need to improve in terms of competition for places.
“He’s a young player, he’s played in the Premier League a number of times, and he’s from a technical football club. He’s also played for his country.
“He gives us pace, can finish at the top of the pitch and gives us competition for the players around him.”
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