Middlesbrough have confirmed the £7m permanent signing of England defender Jonathan Woodgate. Woodgate, 27, arrived at his home-town club in August on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, but has now signed a four-year contract with Boro. Boss Gareth Southgate told Boro's website: "The opportunity to bring in a player of this quality doesn't happen very often." Woodgate said: "I'm fulfilling an ambition to play for Boro." Boro negotiated a first option to buy the former Leeds and Newcastle defender when they set up the loan move. Southgate admitted he has been trying to complete a permanent deal for Woodgate for some time. The Boro boss said: "We've known for a couple of months that Woody wanted to stay. He came to tell me and the chairman he wanted to sign. "Negotiations with Real Madrid have taken a little while, we had to be sure it was the right deal for this club. "Now it's done we're obviously delighted, it shows that we're moving in the right direction if we can attract a player of this quality." Woodgate repays the faith Boro showed in signing a player with a wretched injury record. 7 million . A good player, but how good would he have been if he'd been injury free?
7m ? You would have thought with all the football he has played in the last few years he would have come a bit cheaper.
7mill for an injury prone centre back if he stays injury free then a good buy as hes top class but if he doesnt.......
