Why Middlesbrough have turned to American players explained by Kim Hellberg

Middlesbrough’s American recruitment strategy explained as Rokas Pukstas move nears

Middlesbrough are expected to complete the signing of Rokas Pukstas in the final days of the transfer window, with Kim Hellberg explaining why the club has increasingly targeted players with links to the United States.

Boro are set to sign the 22-year-old midfielder from Croatian side Hajduk Split for around €5m (£4.2m). Pukstas was born in Oklahoma and began his footballing journey with Sporting Kansas City before moving to Hajduk Split in 2020.

The midfielder has represented the United States at Under-20 and Under-23 level and is set to become the latest player with US national-team connections to join Middlesbrough.

Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten have all represented the US senior team, while Adilson Malanda and Riley McGree have also previously been involved with MLS clubs.

Pukstas is expected to travel to England shortly to finalise his move after staying in Croatia for Hajduk Split’s Conference League qualifier against Rakow Czestochowa.

Although Hellberg did not want to discuss the details of Pukstas’ transfer, he acknowledged that Middlesbrough have deliberately increased their focus on the American market.

“The club has done a lot of good business from America,” Hellberg said.

He pointed to the number of players with US connections already at the club and praised Middlesbrough’s recruitment team for identifying talent in the region.

Why Middlesbrough like American players

Hellberg believes there are certain characteristics frequently found among players developed in the US that fit Middlesbrough’s recruitment philosophy.

While stressing that every player is different, the Boro boss said American players he has worked with have generally demonstrated a strong mentality and a desire to improve.

“In general, I find that American players tend to have a strong mentality,” he said. “They work very hard and tend to be very into wanting to improve themselves and do everything they can, every day.”

Hellberg added that players from the US often show considerable determination when it comes to developing their careers.

“They are very strong in terms of what they want to do with their career going forward, and they put everything into their football,” he explained.

Character a key part of Boro recruitment

Middlesbrough’s recruitment strategy goes beyond simply assessing a player’s ability on the pitch. Character and attitude are also important factors when deciding whether a potential signing fits the club’s plans.

Hellberg has backed the club’s decision to prioritise younger players with the potential to develop, but insists that talent alone is not enough.

The manager wants players who are prepared to work hard, embrace additional training and take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

“We want players who want to develop and progress in their career,” Hellberg said.

He explained that the club considers how committed players are away from matches and whether they are willing to put in the extra work required to improve.

“Are they interested in that because they think it will help their career? That’s what we have been looking at, along, of course, with their qualities on the pitch,” he added.

“It is not only one thing, it is an area where a lot of things go together.”

Pukstas therefore appears to fit a recruitment model that Middlesbrough have increasingly embraced, with the club looking for young, ambitious players who can develop and potentially become valuable assets in the future.