Championship transfer round-up as Middlesbrough's promotion rivals sign former Chelsea winger

Experienced winger Victor Moses has joined Luton Town on a free transfer
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Two Championship clubs who will be hoping to challenge Middlesbrough for a top-six finish this season have wasted little time in dipping into the free agents market.

Hull City, who finished just ahead of Boro in the table last term, completed the signing of former Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Steven Alzate last night. The Colombian, released by the Seagulls at the end of last season, has penned a two-year deal.

Meanwhile, former Crystal Palace and Chelsea winger Victor Moses has today joined Luton Town on a free transfer. The 33-year-old has moved to Kenilworth Road, having spent the last four years at Spartak Moscow after initially moving to Russia on loan from the Blues in 2020.

READ MORE: 'Hurt you' - Matt Clarke's Championship warning as he backs Middlesbrough's forwards to click

SIGN UP: Middlesbrough FC news straight to your phone on WhatsApp

Boro and Luton Town were both tipped to be in the hunt for the title this season, with bookies placing them as joint-third favourites before a ball was kicked. However, the Hatters have made a poor start to the season, picking up just one point from a possible 12.

Moses told the Hatters’ website: “I’m looking forward to it. I had a few offers from Europe, but I said to my agent that I set my mind on staying over here, and here we are. I’m very pleased and honoured to be at this club and I just can’t wait to get going.

“I spoke to Rob (Edwards, manager) before I came, I spoke to the directors and they told me the plan and the history of the club, and I just want to be part of the success. I want to come here and enjoy my football, work hard for the club and for the team, and get back to where we belong in the Premier League.”

After starting his career with Palace and then spending two and half years with Wigan, the Nigeria international secured a move to Chelsea in 2012 and was part of the Europa League-winning squad in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Moses also had loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke, West Ham, Fenerbahce and Inter Milan before making the permanent move to Spartak Moscow in 2021.

Edwards said: “Victor is one we’ve been talking to for quite a while. He trained with us last week and played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game, and we made a decision because we think he’s able to come in and help us. He gives us more strength in depth and versatility, because he’s someone who can play both sides or as a number 10.

“He’s played for so many different clubs in different ways and shapes, and under different managers, so he’s tactically aware. We think he’s someone who can provide some really good competition for us.”

Meanwhile, former Boro defender Cyrus Christie is said to be a target for numerous clubs including Rangers after he left Hull City this summer. Reports suggest as well as the Scottish giants, Championship sides Coventry City, Millwall, Plymouth Argyle and next opponents Preston North End are also interested.