Boro aim to strengthen in several departments across the pitch in what promises to be a busy summer on Teesside.
The capture of a centre-forward is a priority, while Boro will also look to strengthen in the wide areas and at centre-half. Boro will also look to add to their midfield, which was something they tried to do in January, and right-back is another area that will be addressed.
On the back of a disappointing 10th place finish, Boro bosses will conduct what has been described as a thorough review of the season rather than rushing into major decisions, which includes Michael Carrick’s position as head coach.
But while that is ongoing, Boro want to ensure they’re not left playing catch-up in the summer window as they set about plotting an improvement on the pitch next term.
RECOMMENDED READING:
As things stand, it’s highly unlikely that any of the loanees from the second half of the campaign will return to Boro for next season. Boro would have been keen in making Mark Travers’ loan spell permanent and will monitor the 25-year-old’s situation over the course of the summer. But Bournemouth’s asking price will likely be a major sticking point and Travers is expected to have more lucrative options this summer.
Sol Brynn, who had just earned his chance as Boro’s No.1 before suffering a dislocated shoulder on Boxing Day, will be fit for the start of pre-season, but Seny Dieng won’t be back in action before the campaign gets underway in August, so Boro will monitor their goalkeeper situation over the course of the summer.
Boro will sign a centre-forward this summer on the back of Emmanuel Latte Lath’s January exit.
Boro still have high hopes for January arrival Morgan Whittaker but will look to strengthen their options in the wide areas.
Carrick’s decision not to replace Matt Clarke in January backfired, with Boro left short at centre-half, and that’s an area that will be addressed this summer.
With Anfernee Dijksteel approaching the end of his contract this summer, he’ll be replaced at right-back if, as looks likely, he moves on.
There’s also a decision to be made on Jonny Howson’s future as the captain’s current deal nears its end.
When quizzed on the summer window after 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 the disappointment they feel now and use it to come back stronger.
“There was a lot of change in the squad again this season, a lot of turnover. It’s a constant evolution really. That’s just something we’ll continue to work towards. That’s just how the summer works.
“It’s not any bigger than any other summer transfer window we’ve faced. I think there are really good foundations in the group and the core of the squad is really strong.
“It’s something that we need to try and build on because clearly we need to be stronger when we come out for the start of the season.
“It’s continuing to evolve – that’s the constant challenge. It doesn’t mean it’s any bigger than any other. In some ways, the stability we’ve built over the two-and-a-half years or so is there. We’ve just got to keep adding to it.”
