Ben Gibson is a man ‘in-demand’, the 24-year old defender who is English, is set to be at the forefront of a lot of Premier League interest this summer and a move is certainly likely after his club Middlesbrough suffered the agony of relegation in the first season back in the top-flight. What Are The Odds looks at who the favourites are to sign the in-form stopper.
Chelsea are the current favourites to sign Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson and likely consider him to be in the mould of a long-term replacement to John Terry (who has played his last game for the Blues). Antonio Conte will certainly be looking to bolster this particular area of his squad and will have been impressed by Gibson’s performances in an ailing Boro side, so odds of 2/1 (3.00) represent value - but it may be that that there’s a few twists and turns left in this transfer story yet.
Tottenham and West Brom are the next in-line favourites to bring in the 24-year old, and although the pulling power of one of the league giants may be enticing, it could be that Ben Gibson will have more game time and at a club like West Brom where he is currently priced at 7/1 (8.00) to make the move. Spurs on the other hand have their defensive line fixed for next season, but that could change should a bid come in for Vertonghen or Alderweireld. Tottenham will likely kick on for a title charge and a better showing in the Champions League next season and that could be all that’s needed to persuade Gibson, along with the allure of playing week in-week out at Wembley; odds of 5/1 (6.00) suggest it’s one of the most likely outcomes this summer.
After the highs of a Premier League title win and a run all the way to the Champions League quarter finals, Leicester City secured their league status this season after a rocky campaign and no doubt they will be looking to strengthen to avoid such a rollercoaster next season. Sky Bet are currently backing the Foxes at 8/1 (9.00) to snap up Ben Gibson, with current centre-backs Wes Morgan and Robert Huth not getting any younger, it would make sense to move for a player approaching his prime and it could be appealing to the player too, with almost guaranteed first team football.
Interestingly it’s Arsenal who are next in the betting at 9/1 (10.0) to sign the 10 times capped U21 England international. Ben Gibson may be inclined to look at the current crop of English talent at Arsenal and wonder if he would be an automatic starter at the Emirates, with players like Calum Chambers being loaned out and the rotation of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. However, Gunners fans will be first to tell you that a new defender is a priority and it’s little wonder the North Londoners are valued among the top contenders in the market at Sky Bet.
Further back are Manchester City at 11/1 (12.0) who are also in need of a new centre back, but one that will play with the ball. It’s easy to see why they are interested with Gibson boasting a Premier League pass success rate of 84.6%, with City’s current English defender John Stones having a 91.7% success rate - however Gibson’s is with a team that just got relegated.
Everton are even further back at 14/1 (15.0), while Manchester United are priced at a hefty 28/1 (29.0), however the bookmaker gives a generous price of 5/2 (3.50) on Ben Gibson remaining with Middlesbrough and potentially helping them to promotion again next season.
Probability of Ben Gibson's next club
| Next Club | Ben Gibson Transfer Odds | Probability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | 2/1 | 33.33% | |
| Tottenham | 5/1 | 16.67% | |
| West Brom | 7/1 | 12.50% | |
| Leicester | 8/1 | 11.11% | |
| Arsenal | 9/1 | 10.00% | |
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