That’s right Tony Pulis and Boro have made an audacious transfer move clearly with a return to the Premier League firmly in their sights.
Middlesbrough have signed a pre-contract agreement with former Chelsea, Real Madrid and current Bayern Munich attacker Dutch legend Arjen Robben.
Robben apparently has been sold on a move to the Riverside even though there are no guarantees Tony Pulis will guide his team back into the Premier League.
With his contract finishing at the end of the season, Robben was going to generate plenty of interest as a free-agent but Boro have beaten some big-time clubs to secure the signature of such a highly coveted international attacker.
The Dutch ace obviously believes in the project that Boro owner Steve Gibson and Tony Pulis are putting together and must feel like they are looking good for a return to the big-time.
The deal with Robben is reportedly a 3 year deal worth over £100,000 a week so the Teesiders will surely have some serious expectations for the former Chelsea star.
Robben has had a trophy laden career, winning 6 Bundesliga titles and the Champions League as well as numerous other domestic trophies during his spell at Bayern so far.
The winger has also won a La Liga title and a Super Copa De Espana while with Spanish giants Real and let’s not forget that he of course won 2 Premier League titles, an FA Cup and 2 League Cups in his spell under Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
Landing Robben has to be a major coup and huge statement of intent by Middlebrough – if only it were true – but after all it’s April Fool’s Day!!