Middlesbrough have signed American midfielder Rokas Pukstas from Croatian side Hajduk Split. The 22-year-old joins for a reported fee of about £4.3 million and has signed a five-year contract at the Riverside, as confirmed by a report from Yahoo Sports.
Pukstas becomes the club's tenth senior addition this summer, bolstering a squad that currently sits fifth in the Championship. Boro have taken six points from their opening three games, with a record of two wins and one loss, and face a trip to Burnley on September 2nd.
Who is Rokas Pukstas?
Rokas Pukstas is a 22-year-old midfielder who has spent his entire professional career in Croatia with Hajduk Split. He has represented the United States at various youth levels up to the Under-23 team. The move to England marks his first venture outside of Croatian football. Pukstas expressed his excitement after conversations with the coaching staff, stating he felt a strong connection.
"I had a call with the coach and directors here," Pukstas said. "He (Kim Hellberg) is a fascinating coach, the people are lovely and it reminds me of home. Everything seems aligned now I'm here."
Where does he fit in the Middlesbrough squad?
Pukstas joins a growing American contingent at the Riverside Stadium. He will link up with fellow US internationals Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris in midfield, as well as winger Max Arfsten. His arrival adds depth and competition in the centre of the park for manager Kim Hellberg. The squad's current form is solid, having scored six goals and conceded four so far this season. Fans can track the full roster on our squad page.
Hellberg's side are just three points behind early leaders Charlton, demonstrating a strong start to the campaign. The signing comes as the team manages an absence, with Jeremy Sarmiento currently sidelined, details of which are on our injuries page.
What does this signing mean for Boro's season?
The acquisition of Pukstas signals Middlesbrough's intent to build a competitive squad for a sustained promotion push. As the tenth senior recruit, it concludes a busy period of reinforcement. The five-year contract indicates the club views the player as a long-term asset. Integrating him quickly will be important ahead of a challenging away fixture at Burnley.
With the transfer window closing, Boro's business appears largely complete, leaving Hellberg with a settled group. The team's early league position provides a positive platform, and the latest addition aims to strengthen it further. Supporters can follow the team's progress in the standings as the season develops.
