Van den Berg transfer call, Dijksteel decision and two unknowns – Middlesbrough defence review
Although a number of unknowns heading into preseason could increase their need, Middlesbrough plans to sign two
new defenders this summer.
With Darragh Lenihan scheduled to return for the start of preseason after missing 18 months due to injury, Boro
presently has two senior alternatives per defence position, excluding young possibilities. Nevertheless, in an effort to
bolster their defence, Boro has put a new centre-back and right-back on their summer shopping list.
The right-back A new contract offer for Anfernee Dijksteel is not yet expected, and his current one expires next
month. Luke Ayling still has a year left on his deal, but Boro wants to improve his form and fitness this summer after
he struggled this season. During preseason, Josh Dede, a young player who joined from Celtic in January, might also
receive an opportunity.
Neto Borges is projected to do well at left-back because he began to play at his best near the close of the season
before suffering an injury. He came back for Coventry City’s season-ending match. Alex Bangura, meanwhile, is
anticipated to return for the start of preseason after missing the full season.
However, he is ultimately one of the major unknowns that Boro will face come summertime. As a result, the left-back
is more likely to be on their list of “may be needed” than their priority list as they evaluate the Sierra Leone
international. George McCormick, a youthful talent for Boro, showed himself more than capable last season
whenever he was given the chance.
Additionally, Lenihan is Boro’s other major unknown for this summer. In his first season at Boro, the centre-back
was among the best defenders in the Championship; however, in his second season, he sustained a devastating ankle
injury that necessitated surgery. After making a comeback last summer, he experienced Achilles issues and missed
the entire season, though he did return to training and sit on the bench for the final few games.
The main concern for Boro this summer is if the 31-year-old Irishman can return to the level he was playing at prior
to his injury problems, especially as he only has 12 months left on his lucrative Teesside contract. In recognition of
needing to strengthen their spine, Boro have made a centre-back one of their top five priority signings this summer.
This summer, Van den Berg will most likely draw attention. Since he has been with Boro for two years and has two
years left on his contract, this is the best time to sell him in terms of value. Unless the 20-year-old is willing to sign a
new, longer contract at the Riverside, that is.
The Dutchman is known to have a very clear and mature outlook for his career trajectory. He rejected elite European
clubs in favour of Boro in 2023 because of this. Boro benefited from the promise of game time to advance his
development after being persuaded to take on the project by Michael Carrick and Jonathan Woodgate.
However, as Boro was not promoted to the Premier League, Van den Berg is likely to view this summer as the ideal
time to look to advance his career given that he has two years of experience under his belt. Interest won’t be lacking,
even after a season in which injuries limited his contribution to less than his debut season.Boro won’t be forced to
sell this summer for financial reasons – with Emmanuel Latte Lath’s sale in January helping in that regard.However,
Boro might believe that now is the ideal time to sell considering the Dutch youth international’s contract status. It is
related to that if they want to sign a centre-back or if they believe they would require another.
As he nears the tenth anniversary of his Boro debut, there will probably be discussions about extending Dael Fry’s
contract, which will enter its final 12 months this summer. In January, George Edmundson made Boro his
permanent home. Last summer, Boro also recruited teenager Harley Hunt, who has impressed since arriving and
may be given a chance in preseason.
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