After four years on an academic scholarship contract, Kenyan fullback George Gitau is set to sign his maiden professional contract with English Championship side Middlesbrough FC, The Nerve Africa has exclusively learned.
The right-back, who joined Boro in 2020 after previous spells with Crystal Palace, Arsenal, and Brighton, will sign a long-term four-year contract, with an option to renew for an additional year.
A source close to Gitau’s family revealed that the 20-year-old is over the moon after the hard work and experience gained in the club’s youth setups.
“Middlesbrough have handed George four years. It’s an exciting moment, especially for the family. The boy has given his all and is now looking forward to integrating into the first team. Michael Carrick (head coach) has been key in the decision.”
Since joining in 2020, Gitau has established himself as a regular for Boro’s Under-18s in the 2020/21 season and featured in their Under-17s’ run to the Premier League Cup final.
After stepping up to the Under-21s in the 2022/23 season, the full-back continued his run in the side, making 12 appearances in the 2023/24 season. He also made eight appearances with the club’s Under-23s in the PL2, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
However, Gitau did spend the Christmas period last season on loan at Marske United in the Northern League Division One. After returning from loan, the versatile right-sided player finished the season strong, scoring four goals in as many games.
Meanwhile, at the international level, Gitau has featured for Kenya’s Under-23 team in the 2024 Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) tournament. He has yet to receive a call-up to the senior team.
