Middlesbrough FC can save millions during this summer’s rebuild with Rockliffe Park decision

May 17, 2025 GG England Championship 0

Middlesbrough FC can save millions during this summer’s rebuild with Rockliffe Park decision.

Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson, Middlesbrough badge

Middlesbrough’s academy is widely regarded as one of the best in English football, and the club could benefit from it next season.

The Teessiders have a Category 1 academy system, the highest ranking a club can achieve.

Middlesbrough is one of only a few English football clubs that have had over 100 Boro academy graduates play in the first team.

Middlesbrough’s Rockliffe Park academy has produced Chris Brunt, David Wheater, Stewart Downing, James Morrison, and, more recently, Djed Spence, Marcus Tavernier, Ben Gibson, Isaiah Jones, and Hayden Hackney.

Middlesbrough is preparing for another major rebuild this summer.

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick

Boro’s clear goal in 2024/25 was to win promotion to the Premier League, so finishing 10th was an obvious failure for Michael Carrick’s side.

Morgan Whittaker, Tommy Conway, Aidan Morris, Neto Borges, and Delano Burgzorg were all acquired for significant fees.

Middlesbrough were also able to sign a number of Premier League players on loan, including Ben Doak, George Edmundson (later made permanent), Mark Travers, and Samuel Iling-Junior, who all came from top-tier clubs.

Middlesbrough’s 24/25 Championship stats – per FotMob
Games Wins Draws Defeats Goals scored Goals conceded Points
46 18 10 18 64 56 64
In short, Carrick had once again received significant support from chairman and owner Steve Gibson, who, as a Smoggie and lifelong Boro fan, is as eager as ever to see his beloved club return to the big time.However, in a season marred by self-inflicted wounds, defensive gaffes, and inconsistent performances, Boro’s rather soft-centered side provided little for Teessiders to rally behind or be excited about.

Middlesbrough are expected to have a busy summer with loanees returning to parent clubs, interest in Hackney and Rav van den Berg, and a need to strengthen specific areas of the pitch.

 

Now may be the time for Middlesbrough to rely on their academy; it could save them millions

Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium

Fortunately for Middlesbrough, it appears that the club is experiencing a golden era of homegrown talent on Teesside.

In 2024/25, Boro’s first-team squad featured goalkeeper Sol Brynn, defenders George McCormick, Nathan Simpson, and Harley Hunt, midfielder Law McCabe, and striker Sonny Finch.

Meanwhile, Shea Connor, Fin Cartwright, Charlie Lennon, Anton Palmer, Bailey Palmer, and Josh Dede were all part of Championship matchday squads this season.

Middlesbrough’s academy teams feature a number of promising young players, including youth internationals at various levels.

In recent weeks, the club signed youngsters Prince Acheampong and Oliver Samuels to professional contracts, highlighting their good work in the football department.

Middlesbrough has a number of homegrown players who have either broken into or are on the verge of making the step up to first-team football at the Riverside Stadium, and they should not be overlooked as the club plans its summer transfer window.

Boro could save money by signing custodian Brynn, right-back Dede, central midfielders McCabe and Cartwright, and attacking players Finch or Hazeem Bakre.

Injecting youth talent into Middlesbrough’s first-team next season could be a wise business decision, given the club’s current apathy among fans.

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