Gaston Ramirez is largely overlooked during his time at Southampton, but he is highly regarded at Middlesbrough.
After a seven-year absence from the top flight, Middlesbrough secured promotion back to the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, claiming the second spot in the Championship. Aitor Karanka’s team ended the season four points adrift of champions Burnley but secured automatic promotion based on goal difference, tying with Brighton in third on points.
Looking back on that memorable season, Middlesbrough fans hold the squad in high regard, particularly recalling one player who made a significant impact in the latter part of the campaign with crucial goals. Gaston Ramirez, who had seen a decline in his goal-scoring form during his time at Southampton, experienced a resurgence after joining Middlesbrough from the Riverside Stadium. The move proved beneficial for all parties involved.
Gaston Ramirez’s underwhelming tenure at Southampton
Before joining St Mary’s, Ramirez enjoyed a fruitful spell in Serie A with Bologna, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess. Therefore, when Southampton secured his services for a record fee of £12 million, there was significant anticipation surrounding his arrival.
As Southampton’s most expensive signing at the time, Ramirez was under immense pressure to deliver stellar performances. However, he struggled to live up to expectations. Despite scoring five goals in his debut Premier League season, he failed to maintain consistency. His subsequent campaigns saw a notable decline in form, managing only one league goal in the following season.
The Uruguayan’s stint at Southampton was marred by inconsistency, prompting a loan move to Hull City in the Premier League, where he continued to struggle, scoring just one goal throughout the season. Ramirez’s inability to justify his hefty price tag led to widespread criticism, ultimately resulting in a move to the Championship as his next career step.
Ramirez found redemption at Middlesbrough, where he experienced a resurgence in form and success.
Ramirez joined Middlesbrough on loan midway through the 2015/16 season, having not started a single game for Southampton in the first half. Despite some initial doubts due to his limited track record, Ramirez quickly proved his worth with standout performances.
In just 15 starts in the Championship, Ramirez scored seven goals, helping Middlesbrough secure automatic promotion. His impact was undeniable, with the team losing only two of the matches he started. This success led to Middlesbrough signing him permanently.
However, Ramirez’s time in the Premier League didn’t live up to expectations, and Southampton may regret their £12 million investment as he departed the club without making a significant impact.