Middlesbrough are set to gain a midfielder with an 'alien-like work rate' when Rokas Pukstas completes his move from Hajduk Split. The 22-year-old American is expected to join after his current club's key European fixture this week, with a fee of just over £4 million agreed between the sides.
Lovre Nikolac, a host of the Croatian Football Podcast, provided a detailed insight into the incoming player. "Boro fans will love him," Nikolac said. "He never gives up and will become a fan favourite. The first thing everybody will notice is his jumping reach and heading ability."
A relentless engine
Nikolac emphasised that Pukstas's standout quality is his relentless energy. "He runs, and runs, and runs," he explained. "Same thing on the training pitch or in the gym; every Hajduk manager that has coached him has praised his alien-like work ethic." This dedication is rooted in his family background. His mother, Zivile, was a national champion triple jumper, and his father, Mindaugas, was an Olympic marathon runner. "He's a pure athlete," Nikolac continued. "He can jump, run, and fight for the ball. He’s physically strong and ticks all the boxes."
A story from last year encapsulates this fitness. While cycling to training in Split, Pukstas reportedly hit an open manhole, damaging his bike. He then ran the remaining six kilometres to the training ground, arrived on time, and still took part in the warm-up.
Footballing journey and role
Pukstas's path to Teesside included youth spells with Sporting Kansas City and Barcelona's Residency Academy in Arizona. A trial at Manchester United preceded his move to Hajduk Split, where he broke into the first team by age 18. He made over 100 appearances for the Croatian side, scoring nine goals and providing four assists last season alone.
Nikolac believes his best role is as a box-to-box midfielder in a high-intensity system. "He does all the dirty work and goes into every ground and aerial duel he can," he said. "Aim for him on set-pieces and any crosses in general, he is a danger in the box." The expert noted that while Pukstas's vision can sometimes rush under pressure, he has improved markedly and is now "a step above the league" in Croatia.
Fitting into the Boro project
The move addresses one of Middlesbrough's priority areas for strengthening before the transfer deadline. The club's recruitment strategy has focused on identifying hungry, determined individuals, and Pukstas's profile fits that mould perfectly. "The man doesn't stop training and working on himself," Nikolac concluded. "He takes football very seriously and has been like that since he joined Hajduk."
With the physical demands of the Championship likely to be a step up in tempo, some adjustment time may be needed. However, his athletic foundation and mentality suggest he is well-equipped to thrive. Boro will be hoping his energy and aerial prowess can make an immediate impact as they look to handle a packed fixtures schedule. The club's current squad profile shows a group built on similar drive, which should help his integration. Pukstas is due to undergo his medical and finalise personal terms once he has completed his obligations with Hajduk Split.
