Mido's fellow Egyptian international teammate Mohamed Shawky was set to undergo for three-day trial along with teammate Emad Moteab, however Middlesbrough decided on only pursuing their interest in Shawky, who signed on transfer deadline day for £650,000 on a three-year contract. At the same time, Jason Euell moved to Southampton on a free transfer after having his contract cancelled, and David Knight was released to join Swansea City. With less than an hour remaining before the transfer deadline, Boro completed a £5 million move for Portsmouth's Gary O'Neil.