Championship clubs are considering a free transfer move for Alex Gilbert after his release from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder is available without a fee following the expiration of his contract on Teesside earlier this summer.
Football journalist Pete O'Rourke states that Gilbert is drawing attention from multiple second-tier sides. "Gilbert is drawing attention from Championship clubs with multiple weighing up a free transfer swoop for his services," O'Rourke said. This interest comes as Middlesbrough sit fifth in the Championship table with six points from three games, having scored six goals and conceded four.
Who is Alex Gilbert?
Alex Gilbert is a Birmingham-born attacking midfielder who joined Middlesbrough after previous spells with West Brom and Brentford. During his time with Boro, the versatile player spent half a season on loan with Charlton Athletic. Gilbert can operate on the wings or in central roles, mainly as a number eight or number ten, though former manager Kim Hellberg occasionally used him in a deeper position.
His technical ability is noted, but he sometimes struggled in the more physical battles that the Championship demands. With limited senior football under his belt, Gilbert represents a potential squad addition for clubs looking to strengthen without paying a transfer fee.
Why did Middlesbrough let him go?
Middlesbrough's summer transfer activity made Gilbert's departure inevitable. The club spent significant money on statement deals for Will Lankshear, Ashley Phillips and Radek Vitek, adding new players in goal, defence, midfield and attack. Jeremy Sarmiento signed permanently and offers a goalscoring threat with box-crashing ability, while the club is also set to land Rokas Pukstas from Hadjuk Split.
With Sebastian Berhalter and Myles Peart-Harris able to operate in central areas, and Max Arfsten providing wing cover alongside his regular left-back role, competition for places increased dramatically. Gilbert would likely have been surplus to requirements even if he had remained under contract, given Boro's strengthened squad across all departments.
What does this mean for his next move?
For Championship clubs, Gilbert represents a smart signing on a free transfer. His versatility makes him a useful squad player who can cover multiple positions. However, if the midfielder wants to secure more regular starting minutes, a drop to League One might provide better opportunities. An influential role in the third tier could help him develop and potentially rise back to the Championship in future seasons.
The timing of this interest comes as Middlesbrough prepare for their next fixture away to Burnley on September 2nd. They currently trail league leaders Charlton by three points in the early title race, with their recent form showing wins against losses and wins. You can track their progress on our standings page throughout the season.
How does this affect Middlesbrough's season?
Middlesbrough's decision to release Gilbert reflects their ambitious summer recruitment strategy. The club has built a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the Championship, currently sitting just outside the automatic promotion places. Their early season form of two wins and one loss demonstrates their competitive edge, though they'll need to manage a squad that has seen significant turnover.
With Jeremy Sarmiento currently sidelined, manager Michael Carrick has options across midfield and attack. The complete squad list is available on our squad page, showing the depth that made Gilbert expendable. Boro's +2 goal difference after three games suggests a balanced approach, but they'll need to maintain consistency throughout a long campaign.
Gilbert's next move will be watched with interest by Middlesbrough supporters who followed his development. His departure was part of a broader reshaping of the squad that aims to return the club to the Premier League. Whether he remains in the Championship or drops to League One, the coming weeks will determine where the 24-year-old continues his career.
