Adam Forshaw has joined Middlesbrough from Wigan Athletic, who have also lost Callum McManaman to West Bromwich Albion.
Having failed to make the grade at Everton, the midfielder joined Brentford on a free transfer in February 2014 and made seven league appearances during the remainder of that campaign. He established himself as a key member of the Bees first team picture over the next two seasons, making a total of 82 appearances, and helped them to promotion from League One last term.
Forshaw was also voted the divisional Player of the Year at the end of the campaign, so it was little wonder that he was also gaining many admirers. Looking to bounce back to the Premier League following their relegation in 2013, Wigan, then coached by former Griffin Park boss Uwe Rosler, signed the player for a reported fee of around £4million on 1 September 2014.
However, the 23-year-old has struggled to find his best form whilst in Lancashire, although the plight of the Latics – who sacked Rosler and replaced him with Malky Mackay in November – has hardly helped his cause. Now, though, he will be operating at the right end of the table, after promotion-chasing Middlesbrough signed him for a fee believed to be in the region of £2million.
“I was up for the challenge of coming to Middlesbrough,” said Forshaw, who has signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Boro, who stunned Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday. “I know how big the club is. There’s a good manager and a good set of players. Watching them from afar their style of play is good, it’s something I wanted to be a part of, and I didn’t need convincing.”
Forshaw will not feature in Boro’s cup campaign as he played in Wigan’s defeat at Bolton Wanderers earlier this month. However, he is sure to be heavily involved in their bid to reach the Premier League. Aitor Karanka’s side are currently third in the Championship standings, yet they are just a point behind both Bournemouth and Derby County with 27 rounds of fixtures played.
Meanwhile, these are worrying times for Wigan, who have also sold 23-year-old Callum McManaman to West Bromwich Albion for a fee of around £4.5million. The talented winger, who has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract, becomes Tony Pulis’ first signing, and the Baggies boss said: “I’m delighted we’ve got Callum and I believe he will be an exciting addition.”
