Alex Bangura

Alex Bangura is a 26-year-old Sierra Leone international defender currently playing for Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship. Known for his athleticism and ability to contribute in both defensive and attacking phases, Bangura has been a squad option for Boro this season as they navigate the demands of the second tier.

Across 11 appearances in the 2025/26 campaign, Bangura has accumulated 499 minutes, scoring one goal and registering one assist for an average rating of 6.76. His recent run of matches reflects a player operating largely from the bench, coming on for 12 minutes in the 1-2 home defeat to Millwall and just nine minutes in the goalless draw at Blackburn. His most notable recent contribution came in the 2-2 draw at Swansea in early April, where he started and found the net during a 34-minute outing, suggesting he can make an impact when given the opportunity to settle into a game.

Bangura's role at Middlesbrough this season has been that of a rotation option rather than a guaranteed starter, which limits his ability to build consistent match rhythm. His versatility as a defender gives the coaching staff flexibility, but sustained minutes have been hard to come by. On the international stage, Bangura represents Sierra Leone, a nation still developing its footballing infrastructure, and any call-up windows can occasionally affect his club availability. Transfer data from recent windows does not indicate any imminent move away from the Riverside Stadium.

In Middlesbrough's upcoming fixtures, the key question around Bangura is whether he can force his way into the starting eleven or whether his contributions will continue to come in shorter bursts from the bench. Observers will want to see how he handles defensive transitions if given a fuller run of minutes, particularly given that his Swansea appearance showed he carries a goal threat even from a defensive position.