Middlesbrough have tended to look overseas for bargain buys in recent years, and it has paid off. But do the transfer links to Callum Brittain and Danny Ings signify a change in the types of players they are looking to sign?
Middlesbrough parted company with Michael Carrick this summer, with replacement Rob Edwards returning to management after leaving Luton Town by mutual agreement back in January.
During his time at the Hatters, Edwards consistently opted to sign players with either EFL or Premier League experience, a strategy which proved a positive one given their promotion to the top flight in 2023.
However, Boro have instead been keen to look abroad for new additions with a focus on youth, longevity and possible resale value.
Their loan deals have often been younger players from Premier League sides admittedly, but they are often players without experience. Therefore, the links to Blackburn Rovers defender Brittain and veteran striker Ings could be the first signs of a significant change in approach.
Wide Middlesbrough scouting network to look closer to home?
In the past couple of seasons, Boro have signed players from the likes of the Netherlands, Australia, Denmark, Italy, France and the USA.
With the exceptions of Luke Ayling, Tommy Conway and Morgan Whitaker, if there have been signings from fellow English sides, they are often younger players who have played less senior-level football with a higher sell-on value.
Ings is now 32 and has bags of experience. He has played for the likes of Burnley, Liverpool, Southampton, Aston Villa and West Ham United in the Premier League, whilst also having stints in the EFL with Bournemouth and Burnley before he helped them to promotion. Despite having fell down the pecking order at the London Stadium in recent seasons, he could still make a big impact at the Riverside given his pedigree.
Similarly, Brittain has turned out for MK Dons, Barnsley and now Blackburn and has played across all levels of the English footballing pyramid. He is someone who can come in to deputise as first-choice right-back following the departure of Anfernee Dijksteel, especially considering that Ayling is likely to play second-fiddle to a new signing in that position.
Balancing Boro’s overseas success and proven recruits
Despite young players from overseas possibly providing a cheaper alternative, it can take time to settle and to hit form. If Boro are to improve on their 8th and 10th placed finishes in their last two seasons, experience could be the difference in getting the younger players flourishing and help to bridge the gap between themselves and those competing for a place in the top six alongside them.
Although Middlesbrough’s transfer strategy isn’t likely to have deviated entirely from their previous model, adding experience in a side filled with youth adds a lot of balance.
Players who have competed at the highest level or who have an understanding of this division can only be of benefit to a side like Boro, particularly if they can get a cut-price deal too.
Read more at;https://www.sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply