Southampton’s Gaston Ramirez has joined promotion-chasing Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the 2015/16 season.

Ramirez spent last season on loan at Hull City where he made 22 appearances but following the clubs relegation from the top flight, the attacking midfielder returned to St Mary’s.

Ramirez never settled on the South-Coast

The Uruguayan has struggled to hold down a first team place since he joined the Saints from Bologna in August 2012 for what was a club record fee of £12million.

When Ramirez was signed in 2012 at 22-years-old, he was believed to be an exciting young prospect having scored 12 goals in 58 appearances for the Italian side from a midfield position.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old has endured an injury-plagued spell on the south coast and he was absent from the side for two months through injury. His only highlight this season came against Liverpool at Anfield when he came on to assist Sadio Mane's late equaliser for the Saints in a 1-1 draw.

Ramirez assisted Mane's equaliser at Anfield (photo: reuters)
Ramirez assisted Mane's equaliser at Anfield (photo: reuters)

Championship side gain an international

There is no doubt over Gaston’s talent, which is represented in his 34 caps for the Uruguay international team and Boro manager, Aitor Karanka highlighted his World Cup experience as well as describing him as ‘another good player for the club’.

It was reported that Saints manager Ronald Koeman, earlier this month had suggested the Ramirez had no future at Southampton due to persistent injury problems and a sufficient amount of talent in his position.

The Sky Bet Championship manager also stated that Gaston’s Premier League experience could be a key component for their promotion push.

New club Boro currently sit second in the Championship, just a point off top spot with a game in hand on first place and a former club Hull City. Ramirez will be allowed to leave Southampton when his deal expires in the summer after spending three and a half frustrating years on the south coast.

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