Gestede aiming to prove his worth after joining Karanka’s Boro

Rudy Gestede has already been reacquainting himself with a few familiar faces at the Riverside with the new Middlesbrough forward confident he can help boost the team’s firepower in the Premier League.

Benin international Gestede signed on the dotted line on Wednesday to complete his move to the North East from Championship side Aston Villa.

The 28-year-old is Aitor Karanka’s first acquisition of the January transfer window with the manager admitting previously he wanted to strengthen his squad ahead of the second half of the season.

(Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)

The move not only represents a return to the Premier League for Gestede but also sees him link up with former Villa teammates Adama Traore and Brad Guzan as well as striker Jordan Rhodes – a player he enjoyed a strong strike partnership with at Blackburn Rovers.

“It’s a pleasure to see them,” he said.

“I was in touch with Jordan over a few texts and I’m happy to see Adama [Traore] and Brad [Guzan] as well.

“It’s always good to see someone you know and they’re good people so that helps. I’ve been welcomed very well by everyone in the changing room.

“When I watched the last game especially I saw a lot of crosses and passes into the box.

“One of my assets is how I can play in the air and making myself a threat in the box – I think I have shown that before.

“The move has happened early in the window so I can focus on showing everyone what I’m capable of and why I deserve this move.”