Middlesbrough have fallen short over the past couple of seasons under Michael Carrick, and have now handed the reins to Rob Edwards.
Middlesbrough get their Championship campaign underway in just under six weeks time at home to Swansea City and there are expected to be changes in personnel between now and kicking off.
A number of Boro’s best players are being monitored by sides in the division above and could mean big money sales to facilitate spending on the players they need to bridge the gap and get into the top six.
It is common for managers arriving at new clubs to sign former players and Edwards could be one to follow this trend. He’s managed at Wolves, Forest Green Rovers, Watford and Luton Town in the EFL, as well as serving a stint as England U16 boss.
Here are three former players Edwards has managed that he could sign for Middlesbrough this summer.
Alfie Doughty
Last season, Middlesbrough consistently rotated their left-backs, with Lukas Engel, Neto Borges, Ryan Giles and Samuel Iling-Junior all deployed in that position across the campaign. With Engel, Giles and Iling-Junior all having now left the club, it leaves Edwards with extremely limited options.
Borges is likely to be first choice, whilst Alex Bangura will be available for selection after missing the entirety of last season, but a better option for Boro could be to dip into the transfer market and sign Luton Town’s Alfie Doughty.
Middlesbrough are said to be keen on a Doughty-Edwards reunion, which would improve their current left-back options and give them a greater chance of achieving promotion. Doughty boasts strong defensive, crossing and dead-ball capabilities, but all will hinge on the Hatters’ asking price for their star man.
Tahith Chong
Another Hatters man who could be a realistic option for Middlesbrough is Chong. The 25-year-old could be looking for a move away having been relegated to League One last time out and Middlesbrough may hold the keys to a career revival.
The winger has consistently played for clubs operating in and around the bottom end of their respective divisions, most notably at Birmingham City and Luton Town.
A chance at playing in a side competing for a place in the top six could see him thrive in creating chances, improving his goals and assists tallies, and fulfilling some of his somewhat wasted potential so far.
Divin Mubama
Championship sides are looking at Manchester City youngster Divin Mubama to bolster their attacking ranks. Ipswich Town have been linked by reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano, whilst a move to Stoke City is also a ‘real possibility’ according to TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher.
But, new Boro boss Edwards managed Mubama during his time at England U16s. Although perhaps a long shot, it is a connection between the manager and the player that both Ipswich and Stoke do not possess.
With Emmanuel Latte Lath having departed the club in January, Kelechi Iheanacho returning to Sevilla after his loan expired, and Josh Coburn moving to Millwall last week, Boro only have Tommy Conway at their disposal in the striker department.
Therefore, a new forward will likely be a priority, and a loan or permanent move for Mubama could fill the void.
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