Our Middlesbrough squad evaluation continues, as we take a closer look at the defence.
Middlesbrough intend to sign two new defenders this summer, however a number of unknowns entering pre-season may increase their requirement.
Boro presently have two senior alternatives for each defensive position in their squad, excluding youth prospects, with Darragh Lenihan scheduled to return for the start of preseason after missing 18 months due to injury. Despite this, Boro have added a new right-back and centre-back to their summer shopping list as they attempt to bolster their defence.
Anfernee Dijksteel, the right-back, is out of contract next month and is not anticipated to be offered a new agreement. Boro seek to reinforce that area this summer, with Luke Ayling still on a 12-month contract but struggling with fitness and form this season. Josh Dede, a teenager signed from Celtic in January, could also get a chance in pre-season.
Neto Borges is projected to excel at left-back after peaking near the end of the season before suffering an injury. He returned for the season’s last game at Coventry City. Meanwhile, Alex Bangura, who missed the entire season, is scheduled to return for the start of preseason.
Bangura has had awful injury troubles since joining Boro in the summer of 2023. But when he did play in his first season, he showed great promise, and it is hoped that he will return this summer, have a successful pre-season, and then compete with Borges for the left-back position.
He’s ultimately one of Boro’s biggest unknowns coming into the summer, with left-back likely to be on their’might be needed’ list, rather than the priority list, as they evaluate the Sierra Leone international throughout the summer. Boro also has budding star George McCormick, who seemed more than capable when given the opportunity last season.
Boro’s other huge unknown this summer is Lenihan. The centre-back was a top Championship defender in his first season at Boro, but had a devastating ankle injury in his second season that necessitated surgery. He returned last summer, but then experienced Achilles issues and missed the entire season.
The key concern for Boro this summer is whether the Irishman, who is 31 years old and has only 12 months left on his lucrative contract on Teesside, can return to the level he was playing at prior to his injury. Boro have identified a centre-back as one of their top five priority acquisitions this summer, acknowledging the need to reinforce their spine.
At this point, it’s unclear if this is because they are unsure about Lenihan and don’t want to rely too heavily on him next term, or because they are preparing for life without Rav van den Berg. This summer, Boro is faced with a problem rather than ambiguity around the young Dutchman.
Van den Berg will almost probably gain notice this summer. He’s been with Boro for two years and has two years left on his contract, so now is the best moment to sell him in terms of value. That is, unless the 20-year-old is willing to sign a new, extended contract at the Riverside.
The Dutchman is regarded for having a very clear and mature vision on his work path. This is why he chose Boro over top European clubs in 2023. Boro benefited from the lure of game time to continue his development when Michael Carrick and Jonathan Woodgate sold him on the initiative.
However, with two years of experience under his belt, there’s a high chance Van den Berg may see this summer as an opportunity to advance his career, since Boro failed to gain promotion to the Premier League. Even after a season in which injuries limited his impact to less than his debut year with the club, interest will remain high.
Boro will not be compelled to sell this summer for to financial concerns, thanks to Emmanuel Latte Lath’s January sale. However, given the Dutch youth international’s contract status, Boro may believe now is the ideal moment to sell. It remains to be seen whether the centre-back they intend to sign is related to this or if they believe they need another.
Dael Fry will enter the final year of his contract this summer, although there are sure to be conversations about extending it as he approaches the tenth anniversary of his Boro debut. George Edmundson made his switch to Boro permanent in January. Boro also signed young Harley Hunt last summer and have been impressed with him since his arrival, indicating he could receive a shot in pre-season.
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