Neto Borges is enjoying his loan spell and keen to make it permanent
West Brom midfielder Ousmane Diakite battles for possession with Bristol City defender Neto Borges(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
Gerhard Struber says Bristol City will explore the possibility of signing Neto Borges permanently from Middlesbrough, as he praised the Brazilian for his impact at Ashton Gate.
Borges has established himself as a regular for Bristol City since joining on loan from Boro at the end of the summer transfer window. Playing mainly as a left wing-back, the 29-year-old has missed only three games (one of which was against Boro when he was unavailable).
Quickly making himself a popular figure as he was on Teesside, Borges registered his fourth assist of the campaign on New Year’s Day as the Robins recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory over Portsmouth.
Borges is enjoying his time in the south west and recently revealed his desire to make his move permanent if the option is there. Though it’s not an option officially written into the loan agreement, Struber confirmed after their recent win over Boro that it’s something Bristol City will be looking to do.
Struber said: “Yes, of course. I think with the promotion that he’s done the last few months – in the training, in the games, in the dressing room – of course we think in this direction.
“He’s been really good. I’m super happy with his performances. Top attitude, top professionalism. I like him very much and I like to work with him.
“He brings to the dressing room a little bit of Brazilian drive. We have a mix of internationals, and that Brazilian vibe, he gives the boys a good feeling.”
It remains to be seen whether Bristol City try to make that deal a reality this month, or whether they wait until the summer when the loan deal ends.
In need of trimming their squad and balancing the books, Boro won’t stand in Borges’ way this month if there’s a deal to be done.
While Bristol City might decide to wait until the summer under the protection that if Boro recall he can’t play elsewhere after already playing for two clubs this season, they could also use that to their advantage this month.
They’re the only club able to sign him in the January transfer window, but if Borges continues his current form, there’s no reason there won’t be fresh interest from elsewhere and from Boro’s perspective, they could sell to the highest bidder.
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