Darren Randolph joins Middlesbrough in deal worth €5.5 million

Republic of Ireland number one Darren Randolph has sealed a €5.5 million move to English Championship side Middlesbrough from West Ham United.

 

The Bray stopper had three years remaining on his deal with the Hammers, having signed an extension last summer, but has opted to move following the arrival of England keeper Joe Hart.

 

He has signed a four-year contract with the recently-relegated Smoggies and joins international teammate Cyrus Christie in the entrance door at the Riverside Stadium.

 

The 30-year-old will compete with Greek international Dmitrios Konstantopolous and local boy Connor Ripley, who spent last season with Oldham Athletic, for the starting shirt.

 

“I’m delighted to get it all signed and completed,” Randolph told the club's official website.

 



“Arriving here and see the facilities, it’s definitely a Premier League club. I want to come here and get the club back to where it belongs and be part of something special.

 

"I remember playing against Dimi when I was with Birmingham, and Connor [Ripley] went to one of my old clubs Motherwell a few years back and did very well.

 

"I've got hopes and aspirations of playing at the World Cup, and playing games will be key. I can't wait to get started."

 



Randolph, who was an underage basketball international before focusing on football, joined Charlton Athletic from local side Ardmore Rovers as a 16-year-old.

 

He made his debut for the alread-relegated Charlton in a Premier League game in 2007 and spent three further years at the Valley before turning down a new contract to sign for Motherwell.

 

Three seasons in Scotland led to a move back to England with Championship side Birmingham City before he made the move to the Hammers in 2015.

 

Randolph made his international debut as a second-half substitute in a 4-1 friendly win over Oman.

 

He made his first competitive appearance, replacing the injured Shay Given, in a 1-0 win over Germany in qualifying for Euro 2016 and remained first-choice goalkeeper for the tournament finals.