MIDDLESBROUGH have identified their top targets for the summer with their transfer plans in place as the club looks to rebound quickly from their disappointing Championship campaign.
Boro hope to strengthen in numerous areas of the pitch during what promises to be a busy summer on Teesside.
The signing of a centre-forward is a priority, but Boro will also aim to reinforce in the wide areas and at centre-half. Boro will also look to strengthen their midfield, as they attempted to do in January, and right-back is another position that will be addressed.
Following a disappointing 10th place finish, Boro will conduct a thorough review of the season before making major decisions, including Michael Carrick’s position as head coach.
However, they want to avoid playing catch-up in the summer window as they plan to improve on the pitch next term.
As things stand, none of Boro’s loanees from the second part of the season are likely to return for the next season. Boro would have liked to make Mark Travers’ loan permanent, and the 25-year-old’s situation will be monitored during the summer. However, Bournemouth’s asking price is likely to be a big sticking point, and Travers is believed to have more lucrative choices this summer.
Sol Brynn, who had just earned his place as Boro’s first choice before suffering a dislocated shoulder on Boxing Day, will be fit for the start of pre-season, but Seny Dieng will not be available until the campaign begins in August, so Boro will keep an eye on their goalkeeper situation throughout the summer.
Boro will sign a centre-forward this summer following Emmanuel Latte Lath’s January departure.
Boro still has high hopes for January signing Morgan Whittaker, but they will need to enhance their alternatives in the wide areas.
Carrick’s decision not to replace Matt Clarke in January backfired, leaving Boro short at centre-half, which will be remedied this summer.
Anfernee Dijksteel’s contract is set to expire this summer, and if he leaves, he will be replaced at right-back.
There will also be a decision on Jonny Howson’s future, as his current contract comes to an end.
When asked about the summer window following Saturday’s disappointing final day defeat at Coventry, Carrick said: “We look at the squad and what needs to be done with the group – how we can improve things, how we can help the boys overcome their disappointment and use it to come back stronger.”
“There has been a lot of turnover in the squad this season. It’s a perpetual progression.
That is something we will continue to strive on. That’s exactly how summer works.
“It’s no greater than any previous summer transfer window we’ve experienced. I believe the group has solid foundations, and the squad’s core is quite strong.
“It’s something we need to work on because we obviously need to be stronger when we start the season.
“The ongoing challenge is that it is always evolving. It doesn’t mean it’s any bigger than the others. In some ways, the stability that we’ve developed over the last two and a half years is still there. “We just need to keep adding to it.”
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