All the ins, outs, twists and turns as Carrick and co plot Boro’s next moves
MIDDLESBROUGH announced their retained list late on Friday last week, with two senior departures confirmed alongside the end of four loan deals. There were also 12 academy players who left the club, including Joe Gibson and Jeremy Sivi who had previously made firstteam debuts.
While Boro players are now enjoying well-earned summer breaks before the start of pre-season towards the end of next month/start of July, the planning behind the scenes is in overdrive now as Michael Carrick and co plot Boro’s next moves ahead of next season.
While they won’t need as many signings this summer as last, with the head coach stressing the importance of continuity, they still want to add a little extra quality to their squad during the upcoming transfer window. We take a look at the Boro squad as it stands and the possible ins and outs over the next few months.
Senior options: Seny Dieng, Tom Glover, Jamie Jones, Sol Brynn, Zach Hemming
Youth prospects: Nathan Fisher Released: Liam Roberts Possible incomings and exits: You would expect at least two goalkeepers will depart Boro this summer, though the big question will be which two. Jamie Jones is out of contract and might yet depart, but is staying around for now to recuperate from a shoulder injury with a view to staying. The veteran keeper didn’t make a single appearance
Shea Connor, last term, but was brought in to be an important third-choice and also played a huge role behind the scenes. That move came after Liam Roberts decided he wanted to leave to play games, and after a successful loan spell at Barnsley, he now departs Boro at the end of his contract.
Boro have talented prospects Sol Brynn and Zach Hemming returning from successful loan spells, determined to try to break in next season. At 23 and 24 respectively, it’s getting closer and closer to the time where loans might not be satisfactory to them much longer.
Seny Dieng and Tom Glover proved solid options for Boro last season, with Dieng establishing himself as first choice and putting himself in the running for the Player of the Year award. But both have been linked with moves away, while St Mirren have made clear they’d love Hemming back if he’s available.
Senior options:
Tommy Smith,
Anfernee Dijksteel, Lukas Engel, Alex Bangura, Hayden Coulson
Youth prospects: George Gitau, Nathan Simpson, Bryant Bilongo
Released: Luke Ayling (end of loan), Luke Thomas (end of loan)
Possible incomings and exits: The club are in negotiations to have Luke Ayling return to the club on a permanent deal, with his Leeds United contract expiring this summer. The Whites’ involvement in the play-offs means their retained list deadline has been extended, thus delaying when Ayling officially becomes available, but there aren’t expected to be any complications after the right-back admitted things were close after the final game.
Luke Thomas departs at the end of his underwhelming loan, while Hayden Coulson returns, albeit almost certainly briefly, with a summer exit likely for him after impressing on loan at Blackpool. Having almost released him on a free last summer, it might be a small fee, but Boro are likely to make something on the academy prospect.
With 12 months remaining on his contract and game time so limited, Dijksteel is also likely to leave. The question then is whether Boro look to bring in a younger prospect if budget allows, with right-backs Ayling and Tommy Smith both 32 and injuries a problem this term. George Gitau might get a chance in pre-season first, after ending the season in fine form.
At left-back, Alex Bangura suffered with injuries while Lukas Engel has a lot of improving still to do if he is to establish himself as a leading Championship left-back. Boro could sell one and add ready-made quality, but it’s more likely they show faith in the duo to improve from last season’s experiences.
Senior options: Rav van den Berg, Dael Fry, Darragh Lenihan, Matt Clarke
Youth prospects: Jack Hannah, James Wilson, George McCormick Released: Paddy McNair Possible incomings and exits: Paddy McNair was the big name to be released this summer following six years at the club. He’d fallen down the pecking order since Carrick’s arrival at the club and, on a considerable wage for someone who could be realistically considered fifth-choice now, it made sense for all parties that the Northern Irishman was allowed to leave and explore other options.
It’s known that Boro were scouting centre-backs quite closely over the course of last season with this summer in mind, though Matt Clarke’s end-of-season form may have changed the thinking or priority.
Even with McNair’s departure, Boro still have four senior centrebacks, though insurances may have to be in place for Darragh Lenihan, who will return this summer after over eight months out.
While Rav van den Berg is likely to attract plenty of interest this summer, the club are keen to keep him,