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# Permanent exit for Boro defender after making debut under Kim Hellberg

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 24 Jul
- **Club:** Middlesbrough
- **Original URL:** https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/permanent-exit-middlesbrough-defender-after-34348726

Baptiste has signed a two-year contract with the North Yorkshire outfit after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

His Boro exit comes just one year after he joined the club on a free after his exit from Tottenham Hotspur. He was also previously part of Chelsea’s academy.

He made a positive early impression on Teesside too, making his first-team debut in Kim Hellberg’s first game in charge against Derby County, from the bench.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at Rochdale in the National League. They achieved promotion via the play-offs after a dramatic title race with York City, but Baptiste did not feature once during the loan.

The 20-year-old returned this summer and had been part of the first-team training group, appearing in both summer friendlies against Farense and Celtic.

But with Harrogate offering the defender an opportunity to go and play regular senior football, it was decided by all parties to allow him to move on.

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Harrogate’s head of player recruitment Lloyd Kerry said of the signing: “We are getting another defender with high potential.

“We think there's a lot about his game where he can adapt quickly to men's football, he communicates well, he's aggressive, and he's comfortable on the ball.

“He suits our system in that right centre back role or the middle of a back three. He's eager to get that opportunity to play men's football and both parties feel it’s a good fit, so hopefully he can progress and do well for himself.”

Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

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