Middlesbrough are closing in on the signing of American youth international midfielder Rokas Pukstas from Hajduk Split. The deal, reported by Teesside Live to be worth just over £4 million, is expected to be completed before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Pukstas is due to travel to Teesside after Hajduk Split's Conference League play-off second leg against Rakow Czestochowa on Thursday night. The 22-year-old is described as an energetic box-to-box midfielder who contributed nine goals and four assists in 31 appearances last season. He has already played the full 90 minutes in all three of Hajduk's league games this term, plus their European qualifier first leg.
Who is Rokas Pukstas?
Rokas Pukstas is a 22-year-old midfielder born in America to Lithuanian parents. He moved to Croatia at 16 to pursue a professional career and has since made over 100 appearances for Hajduk Split, one of Croatia's 'big four' clubs. Before joining Hajduk in 2020, he had a trial at Manchester United and spent time at Barcelona's Residency Academy in Arizona, an academy that also produced former Middlesbrough striker Matthew Hoppe.
Pukstas has represented the United States at youth level. Lithuania has approached him about switching his international allegiance, but he has not yet committed to a decision. His immediate focus is on securing a move to the Championship, where Middlesbrough have fought off competition to secure his services.
How did Middlesbrough win the race?
Middlesbrough have beaten direct Championship rivals Birmingham City and Stoke City to the signing. Hull City and Burnley also held an interest in the player, but Boro have moved decisively to agree terms. The club will register Pukstas in one of their Elite Significant Contribution slots, as he does not currently have enough points to qualify for a standard Government Body Endorsement for a work permit.
This proactive move in the transfer market comes as Middlesbrough sit 11th in the Championship table with three points from their opening two games. They have scored three goals and conceded three, leaving them with a zero goal difference. They are three points behind early leaders Millwall. Will Lankshear is the team's top scorer so far with two goals in two appearances.
Where does he fit into the current squad?
The addition of Pukstas adds depth and energy to Middlesbrough's midfield options. His box-to-box profile offers a different dynamic, and his goal contributions from midfield could help address the team's need for more attacking threat from central areas. You can view the full roster on our squad page.
His arrival is timed ahead of a crucial home fixture against second-placed West Brom on August 29th, a match detailed on our fixtures schedule. Integrating a new player quickly will be important for head coach Michael Carrick as he looks to build momentum after a mixed start to the campaign. The current league standings show a tightly packed table where a couple of wins can propel a team up the rankings.
What happens next for the transfer?
The final steps involve Pukstas completing his medical and signing the contract once he arrives in England after Thursday's European match. All parties are working to have everything formalised before the window shuts. For Middlesbrough, securing a highly sought-after target represents a positive end to their summer business, providing a fresh option in the engine room as they aim to climb the Championship table.
