David Strelec was strongly linked with a move to Middlesbrough just before the transfer deadline. The move failed to materialize with Slovan holding out for £9 million, which no club was willing to pay. Strelec was initially left out of Slovan's next game because he wasn't mentally ready to feature, but returned and scored for the club in their 5-1 league win at Ruzomberok, refusing to celebrate his goal due to the collapse of the transfer.

Reports in Slovakia claim Middlesborough have seen a last-gasp £6m bid rejected for David Strelec. Slovan Bratislava director general Ivan KmotrIk stated that the offered amount would need to be radically high to consider his transfer.

Middlesbrough submitted an official offer for David Strelec, which Slovan Bratislava deemed too low. The club is demanding a transfer fee between 8 and 10 million euros. Strelec, who has scored 15 goals across all competitions this season and is at an ideal age, is also a member of the national team. Slovan Bratislava's chief, Robert Vittek, confirmed that Strelec would not be permitted to leave unless Middlesbrough meets their valuation. Additionally, Celtic has shown interest in the forward, who is valued at £8 million, intensifying the competition for Middlesbrough.