A former Middlesbrough player has provided an insight into why he struggled for form at the Riverside Stadium.
Since the arrival of Kieran Scott as Head of Football in 2021, Middlesbrough have conducted much better transfer business.
This summer alone has seen Aidan Morris, Delano Burgzorg and Luke Ayling arrive on Teessside.
Middlesbrough are also closing in on the signing of 16-year-old starlet Harley Hunt from Swindon Town.
The summer of 2023 saw a similarly impressive window from the North East outfit.
Emmanuel Latte Lath was brought in to replace Chuba Akpom and scored 16 goals in 30 Championship appearances last term.
Rav van den Berg arrived from the Netherlands and had an instant impact, being named Middlesbrough Player of the Year for 2023/24.
Boro were also able to turn a quick profit on Morgan Rodgers, signing him in July before selling him to Aston Villa in January 2024.
One signing that did not really work out for the Teessiders, however, was Sam Greenwood.
Sam Greenwood blames pre-season for Middlesbrough struggles
Greenwood joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan from Leeds United in August 2023.
The 22-year-old previously showed plenty of potential at Leeds, scoring one and assisting four in 25 Premier League matches.
However, his time on Teesside did not really work out. A lack of quality depth meant the Englishman was Boro’s main left-winger in the previous campaign but he failed to take advantage of the regular game time.
Greenwood played 38 matches for Middlesbrough but his last goal contribution for the club came all the way back in January.
Now, after sealing a move to Preston North End, the player has shed some light on his struggle for form in 2023/24.
Greenwood suggested that his lack of a pre-season with the North East outfit hampered his displays last term, as per Leeds Live.
He said: “To get out there, train with them, and get a good connection with the lads and get ready for the season starting.
“I think it’s perfect timing really so I can get a pre-season under my belt. Last season when I went to Middlesbrough I couldn’t get that in because I was injured in pre-season.
“I think it’s really important that I can get a good connection with the boys for when the season comes and be ready to go.”
Middlesbrough need to strengthen out wide
Greenwood may not have had the best season with Middlesbrough, but he was still an option for Michael Carrick to call upon.
The now Preston player’s exit from the Riverside has been followed by Sammy Silvera joining Portsmouth on loan.
This leaves new signing Burzgorg as the only decent option at left-wing heading into 2023/24.
Alex Gilbert can provide depth in that area but he lacks the experience needed to play for a side who should have promotion aspirations in 2024/25.
As a result, it may be wise for Carrick and co. to dip into the transfer market for another winger before the Championship campaign gets underway.