Jeremy Sarmiento Joins Middlesbrough In High-Stakes Promotion Push

Middlesbrough have made a statement in the January 2026 transfer window, confirming the arrival of Ecuador international winger Jeremy Sarmiento from Brighton & Hove Albion on an initial loan deal that is widely expected to become permanent this summer. The 23-year-old, who has developed a reputation as a promotion specialist, joins Boro as their third signing of the window, following attacking midfielder Leo Castledine and young full-back Finley Munroe. The move, finalized on January 27, comes after a month-long transfer saga that saw rival Championship clubs, notably Birmingham City and Wrexham, attempt to hijack the deal. Ultimately, Sarmiento’s preference for the Riverside and Middlesbrough’s ambitious project proved decisive.

Sarmiento’s journey to Teesside has been anything but straightforward. After joining Brighton in 2021 and making just six starts across all competitions—including two in the Premier League—the winger spent most of his career out on loan. His most recent stint was with Serie A side Cremonese in the first half of the 2025-26 season, where he found opportunities limited to just seven substitute appearances. Prior to that, Sarmiento enjoyed more fruitful spells in England’s second tier, helping Ipswich Town and Burnley win automatic promotion to the Premier League in consecutive seasons. With Ipswich in 2023-24, he scored four goals in 22 appearances, including a dramatic late winner against Southampton on Easter Monday. At Burnley in 2024-25, he was a regular feature, netting two goals in 33 games and playing a key role in their successful campaign.

Now, Sarmiento arrives at a Middlesbrough side firmly in the promotion hunt. As of January 27, Boro sit second in the Championship, just three points behind leaders Coventry City, who suffered a defeat to Norwich City the previous Monday. The timing of Sarmiento’s transfer could hardly be better, with Norwich themselves due to visit the Riverside on Saturday, January 31—a fixture that could have significant implications for the automatic promotion race. The Ecuadorian is expected to provide a boost to Kim Hellberg’s squad as they look to maintain their momentum in the second half of the season.

Speaking to the club’s website after completing his move, Sarmiento expressed his excitement and determination to make an impact at his new club. “I’m very pleased to finally be here. The ambition from everyone at the club is what attracted me to Boro. I’m hungry to get going and I can’t wait to show people what I can do.” His words echo the optimism around the Riverside, where fans are hopeful that his proven Championship pedigree will help Boro over the line in their bid for a return to the Premier League.

The deal itself is structured as an initial loan, with an obligation to buy in the summer should certain conditions be met. Reports indicate that Middlesbrough will pay a fee of £3.2 million for Sarmiento, who is expected to sign a four-year contract if the transfer becomes permanent. This arrangement allows Boro to defer payments to the next financial period, a move that could benefit both clubs depending on their respective financial strategies. Brighton sporting director Jason Ayto commented on the transfer, stating, “This is a great opportunity for Jeremy and gives him the possibility of a permanent move if things go well, with a club challenging for promotion to the Premier League. He knows the Championship well having been part of two promotion-winning squads with Ipswich Town and Burnley. I haven’t had the opportunity of working with him, but I know he has been a great professional and those a pleasure to work with. We wish him every success at Middlesbrough.”

Sarmiento’s move marks the end of Brighton’s recent connection with Ecuadorian talent, following the departures of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea in August 2023 and Pervis Estupinan to AC Milan last summer. All three players were part of Ecuador’s squad that reached the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For Sarmiento, the transfer represents a fresh start after a challenging spell at Brighton, where he struggled to break into the plans of head coach Fabian Hurzeler despite a promising pre-season following a strong showing at the 2024 Copa America.

His career trajectory has been shaped by resilience and adaptability. Sarmiento’s versatility—he can operate as a winger or as a No 10—has made him a valuable asset for Championship clubs with promotion ambitions. His ability to make an impact off the bench, as seen at Ipswich, and to contribute consistently over a long season, as at Burnley, bodes well for Middlesbrough’s hopes. The club’s head coach Kim Hellberg, who has previously admired Sarmiento’s performances for Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton side, is expected to integrate him quickly into Boro’s attacking setup. Hellberg’s style, influenced by Italian football, may suit Sarmiento’s technical abilities and work ethic.

The transfer window has been a busy one for Middlesbrough, with the club still seeking to add a striker before the deadline at 7 pm on Monday, February 2. The arrivals of Sarmiento and defender Adilson Malanda mean that Boro will need to adjust their 25-man squad, with at least two departures expected before the window closes. The club’s proactive approach in the market reflects their determination to secure a top-two finish and avoid the unpredictability of the playoffs.

Birmingham City, who were keen to sign Sarmiento on a permanent basis, have since shifted their focus to other targets, most notably Spanish winger Carlos Vicente from Deportivo Alaves. Wrexham also showed interest but were unable to match Middlesbrough’s offer or the player’s preference for a promotion-chasing side. For Sarmiento, the decision was clear. “The ambition from everyone at the club is what attracted me to Boro,” he reiterated, underlining the alignment between his personal goals and the club’s vision.

Looking ahead, Sarmiento is set to face his former club Ipswich Town when Middlesbrough travel to Suffolk in April, a fixture that could prove pivotal in the promotion race. His experience in high-stakes matches and his knack for delivering in crucial moments make him a player to watch as the season reaches its climax.

As the transfer window draws to a close, Middlesbrough’s acquisition of Jeremy Sarmiento signals their intent to return to the Premier League. With a proven performer now in their ranks, Boro fans have every reason to believe that the club’s promotion dream is within reach. The coming weeks promise plenty of drama, and Sarmiento’s arrival could be the catalyst that pushes Middlesbrough over the line.