Boro’s summer transfer priorities and other areas that might need some attention

Boro’s summer transfer priorities and other areas that might need some attention

 

Middlesbrough now though the dates win which they will be able to sign players, with the EFL announcing the dates of the transfer window.

 

There will be two windows this summer due to the Club World Cup, with clubs able to sign players between June 1 and 10 and then against between June 16 and September 1. Though reviews are ongoing between the club’s heirarchy which could ultimately lead to a number of changes, including that of head coach Michael Carrick’s position, the recruitment team are ultimately still planning as best as they can in the uncertainty to be prepared for the summer transfer window.

 

With ambitions to improve the squad after last season’s disappointments, the recruitment team have identified five key areas that they’d like to strengthen. They are: right-back, centre-back, centre midfield, wide forward and striker.

 

Are they the right priorities? Are there any others they should be considering? They are the questions we put to our fan panel this week, which consists of Youtube analyst Phil Spencer, Boro Breakdown co-host Dana Malt, Boropolis co-founder Chris Cassidy and Twe12th Man member John Donovan.

 

Chris Cassidy

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say Middlesbrough could strengthen all over the pitch this summer. It may not be feasible or realistic, but the quality gap in the squad needs lowering. At the moment, the drop-off from ‘starting’ players to squad options is rather drastic.

 

In terms of the specific positions not mentioned, I would personally consider left-back to be as much of a priority as right-back. It’s been a problem area for three seasons now, and with Ryan Giles set to return to Hull, it only leaves Neto Borges, whose best performances have come when playing centre-back.

 

Given the finances involved, it seems very unlikely Boro will be able to compete for Mark Travers’ signature. Therefore, I anticipate Sol Brynn will be given the opportunity to make himself number one. An understandable decision considering the money that will likely need to be spent elsewhere.

 

As previously mentioned, we do need to build a more robust and balanced squad, so it’s not a surprise there are as many as five ‘priorities’. The phrase quality over quantity is certainly applicable this summer, and I’d love for the recruitment team to bring in specialists for each position, but it does unfortunately feel like another rebuild is on the horizon.

 

Dana Malt

I do agree with those five areas that have been identified, and was glad to read about them being earmarked as areas to strengthen. It’s clear from Boro’s second half of the season that pace was missing, and in turn, runners that can provide an option for a forward ball in behind a defence.

 

Wide players that are direct in this way would be one of the most important qualities to add to this squad in my opinion. Because Morgan Whittaker likes to receive the ball on the right and shift inside onto his left, bringing in an attack minded right-back with a good engine and good crossing ability should be on the to-do list. Having a conservative right-back there instead makes that flank almost entirely ineffective.

 

One position I don’t see a lot of conversation around is number 10. Finn Azaz is an output machine, but is poor out of possession and isn’t one to attack the box with runs into it. His reliance on ball-to-feet play feeds into Boro’s lack of attacking variety. It becomes too easy to defend.

 

Maybe bringing in a player that could provide something different to this would be a good step towards making Boro less predictable.

 

John Donovan

The club face a difficult summer trying to bring in players who will fill the many deficiencies, that we saw this season, in their squad. Mark Travers was a huge success on loan, and a keeper, of equal ability, to challenge Sol Brynn for the number 1 jersey is a must, if we can’t cut a deal to resign him.

 

Right back is also a priority, with Luke Ayling a good back up and Anfernee Dijksteel likely to move on, we need a mobile, strong RB who’s strength is defending. We have also lacked leadership in the team, I’m hoping that Darragh Lenihan can regain full fitness to help in this department.

 

But we suffered a centre back crisis after January and had to rely on a midfielder and left back to help us through it. So another strong, commanding CB would bolster this area.

 

I’m of the opinion that midfield is the key department in a team. Get the right blend of players capable of breaking up opposition attacks, protecting the defence, but also being able to move the ball quickly up the pitch to the forwards and to offer options to them in the final third, and you’ve cracked it. Sounds simple, but it’s not. Again last season, our midfield was weak and didn’t offer enough support in either the first or final third of the pitch.

 

Up top, selling Latte Lath, without adequately replacing him, and losing Ben Doak to injury were events that played a massive part in our ultimate finish. Not just for his goals but Latte Lath was a forward who worked tirelessly and worried defences. Similarly Ben Doak was often doubled up on to nullify his threat.

 

Finding players to offer similar qualities will be difficult. These areas are key to improving us, but whoever Boro bring in, I’d want them to be combative, energetic with a real will to win when the odds are stacked against you. Warriors, fighters, winners.

 

Phil Spencer

I think that Middlesbrough will need to be busy this summer if we’re to compete next season. The five positions mentioned are certainly a good starting point with a right-back, a likely replacement for Hayden Hackney and a new striker all essential.

 

Given our lack of options and cover, a central defender will also be needed in addition to more quality in the attacking third. Barring Ben Doak’s impact, we simply haven’t seen enough on the left and right flank this term and that means that Boro will need one or maybe two additions in those areas.

 

Morgan Whittaker needs time to come good but I’m not sure we can rely on Delano Burgzorg, Riley McGree or Marcus Forss to deliver consistently. Elsewhere, I think that Middlesbrough need at least one left-back with only the injured Alex Bangura currently an option. I also think we need an experienced goalkeeper such as Mark Travers.

 

It’s safe to say it’s going to be a busy summer which is frustrating as just six months ago I thought we had a strong, well-balanced squad!

 

As well as hearing their views on particular Boro topics on Teesside Live each week, you can also hear from them further on their respective platforms. Phil Spencer runs his own Youtube channel which you can subscribe to here. Chris Cassidy is part of the Boropolis Podcast, Dana Malt is part of the Boro Breakdown Podcast, and John Donovan is part of the Twe12th Man Podcast, all of which you can listen to on all major podcast outlets.

 

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