adminMillwall can now sign ‘very dynamic’ 6ft 5in giant for less than £1 million
Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Millwall may be going head-to-head for a central defensive giant this summer.
And, according to new claims coming out of Germany, it may only take an offer of £850,000 to get the 6ft 5in colossus through the door at Riverside or The Den.
While losing top scorer Emmanuel Lathe Lath to Atlanta United in January obviously played a major role in Middlesbrough falling short of the play-offs, Michael Carrick also presided over the third-worst defensive record in the Championship’s top half.
Millwall, in contrast, conceded just over a goal-per-game on average.
But with interest emerging in one of Alex Neil’s top performers – Premier League newcomers Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds are targeting Japhet Tanganga – the Bermondsey outfit may be forced into the market for a replacement.
And this is where Calvin Brackelmann comes in.
Middlesbrough or Millwall can sign Paderborn’s Calvin Brackelmann on the cheap
EFL Analysis exclusively reported back in April, via football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Middlesbrough and Millwall were watching Calvin Brackelmann.
A massive presence at SC Paderborn – both literally and figuratively, given his 1.96 metre frame – Brackelmann helped his team finish just one place shy of the play-offs last term in Germany’s second tier.
And, with just one year left on his contract, BILD report that Paderborn may reluctantly accept offers of just one million euros. That is £850,000, by the way, from a Middlesbrough or Millwall perspective.
BILD add that there is further interest emerging via Dutch outfit NEC Nijmagen and Danish giants Brondby. However, the prestige of English football means the Championship is likely to be an intriguing destination for a footballer who honed his talents at Koln and Schalke.
Only 25 years of age, Brackelmann is a left-sided central defender who can also play at left-back. He would represent a more natural fit at Middlesbrough, then, than the right-footed George Edmundson. If Millwall is to be his destination instead, Brackelmann could act as competition for captain Jake Cooper in the middle or Joe Bryan on the flank.
“Calvin is a robust player and, considering his size, is very dynamic,” Paderborn’s sporting director Benjamin Weber said of a man whose mobility belies his giant frame.
“He has a lot of development potential and, as a left-footed defender, brings a unique profile.”
Rob Edwards unveiled at Middlesbrough after Michael Carrick exit
After firing Carrick a fortnight ago, Middlesbrough have officially confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards. The former Watford and Forest Green coach arrives at Riverside with something of a point to prove after Luton Town suffered successive relegations on his watch.
The 2006 UEFA Cup finalists, it is reported, could look to reunite Edwards with his Luton favourite Alfie Doughty. EFL Analysis can confirm, meanwhile, that Middlesbrough were looking at the Norwich-bound Jakov Medic before Ajax agreed a £2.5 million deal with the Carrow Road outfit.
“It’s a real privilege to be given the opportunity to be head coach of this great football club,” Edwards said during his official unveiling in the North East.
“It’s something that’s not lost on me, how big this is, how important this is, and what it means to people. There is an amazing fanbase.
“It felt instantly that this was right for me and it got me excited. If I was going to come back in, I wanted to come back in at a place where we had a chance, and we have a really good chance here.
“We have a brilliant owner who historically gives his coaches time, support, and the tools needed to try and be successful. I can’t wait to get started now.”
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