Michael Carrick’s Summer Transfer Expectations at Middlesbrough: ‘Constant Evolution’

Michael Carrick’s Summer Transfer Expectations at Middlesbrough: ‘Constant Evolution’

Michael Carrick turned his attention to the summer transfer window, setting the tone for what he described as a period of “constant evolution” at the club.

Despite missing out on the play-offs after a season marked by inconsistency and injury disruptions, Carrick expressed optimism about the progress made and the opportunity that lies ahead to reshape his squad. Speaking after the win at the Coventry Building Society Arena, the Boro boss underlined his ambition for Middlesbrough to build on the solid foundations laid this term.

“It’s about improving, learning, and evolving,” Carrick said. “That never stops. Whether the season ends with success or disappointment, we always go into the next one thinking about how we can get better. We’ll have decisions to make over the summer — that’s part of the process.”

Middlesbrough endured a challenging first half of the season, plagued by injuries to key players including Riley McGree, Marcus Forss, and Darragh Lenihan. While the January window provided some reinforcements, Carrick admitted that the squad still requires refinement to reach the consistency needed for a sustained promotion push.

“The group has shown real character, especially in the second half of the season,” Carrick added. “But to compete at the top end, you need depth, versatility, and players who fit exactly what we want to do.”

One of the key challenges Boro face is retaining talent while also injecting fresh quality. Several players, including loanees like Luke Ayling and Sam Greenwood, are set to return to their parent clubs, creating potential gaps in the squad. Meanwhile, speculation around the futures of standout performers such as Hayden Hackney and Isaiah Jones may also prompt interest from Premier League clubs.

Carrick, however, remained pragmatic. “Every club goes through change,” he said. “What’s important is that we’re always moving in the right direction. Some players will move on — that’s natural. But we’ve got a core group and a structure that allows us to bring in players who can make an impact.”

Middlesbrough’s recruitment team, led by head of football Kieran Scott, is expected to be busy identifying targets, particularly in defence and attack. Carrick stressed the importance of targeting players who align with his footballing philosophy — energetic, technically capable, and team-oriented.

“It’s not just about names,” he explained. “It’s about the right profiles. The right mentality. We’ve learned a lot this season, and we know where we need to strengthen. But we won’t rush — we’ll be smart.”

Carrick’s words reflected a manager focused on long-term development rather than short-term fixes. While the disappointment of missing out on the top six still lingers, his calm and methodical approach offers hope to Boro fans eager for a return to the Premier League.

As the summer window looms, Middlesbrough’s rebuild continues — not through revolution, but through what Carrick aptly calls a “constant evolution.”

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