Boro hit with defensive blow as Moukoudi loan stint ends
Middlesbrough FC loan signing Harold Moukoudi has returned to France after his loan stint expired yesterday.
The Cameroon defender revealed this on his Instagram page, whilst Boro also confirmed the news on their website.
Moukoudi was signed in the January transfer window by former manager Jonathan Woodgate following an injury crisis at the club.
The defender quickly became a key figure in the team before the season paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic that halted football for three months.
He was given permission by St Etienne to extend his stay at Boro for the restart, however, this temporary agreement expired yesterday. It is understood that the French club are keen for the defender to train with the club ahead of the new season beginning in August.
Moukoudi penned a short tribute to Boro supporters on his Instagram page and wished the club well for the rest of the season.
"Thank you for these six months Boro. You are amazing supporters," he said.
"I had to go back to France. All the best for the rest of the season. UTB."
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The departure of Moukoudi is a huge blow for Boro as they look to avoid the drop this season. Manager Neil Warnock had complained last week about the lack of depth in defence and Moukoudi's exit posses a new problem for the veteran manager to resolve.