A journalist has provided an insight into what Middlesbrough can expect from an incoming summer signing.
Middlesbrough head into 2024/25 eyeing a return to the Premier League for the first time in seven years.
Boro have been in the promotion mix in the previous two seasons, finishing fourth and eighth under Michael Carrick.
Now though, the Teessiders are in the midst of a very active summer transfer window as they look to finally escape the Championship.
Three new additions in Luke Ayling, Aidan Morris, and Delano Burgzorg have already been brought through the door.
Reports this week, meanwhile, claimed Middlesbrough were preparing to make a bid for left-back Ryan Giles.
Elsewhere, the North East outfit look to be making plans for the future, with a young starlet seemingly on his way to the Riverside.
Journalist gives lowdown on incoming Middlesbrough signing Harley Hunt
The player in question is Harley Hunt, with Middlesbrough closing in on the signing of the teenager.
Boro will pay Swindonw Town an initial £500,000 for the 16-year-old, with a further £1m payable in performance-based add-ons.
The Teessiders fended off interest from Premier League duo Southampton and Aston Villa for Hunt.
And now, Swindon Advertiser journalist Joe Acklam has provided an insight into what Middlesbrough can expect from the centre-back, as per Teesside Live.
He said: “He is already six-foot-three and very comfortable on the ball, he does not have a crazy long passing range, but he keeps it moving and is progressive with his passing.
“He came straight in and looked comfortable with the physicality of League Two, and he was especially impressive against Grimsby Town when he was practically impossible to get past and made some wonderful strong tackles.
“His calmness is one of the most impressive things about him as he has never looked out of place in any situation and that mentality is something the coaches at Swindon talk a lot about.”
Middlesbrough have a bright future at centre-back
Given his limited experience at senior level and his age, Hunt is not expected to see too much first-team action for Boro in the coming campaign.
However, following the comments made by Acklam, Carrick looks set to land a serious talent with plenty of potential.
Hunt will be the second promising young centre-back to make the move to Teesside in the space of a year after the addition of Rav van den Berg.
The 19-year-old was a key cog in the Boro backline in 2023/24, winning the Middlesbrough Player of the Year award.
The Dutchman has also been backed to play Champions League football in the future, highlighting just what a talent he is.
Middlesbrough may have a hard time keeping hold of Van den Berg if they do not get promoted, but the potential of a Hunt-Van den Berg partnership in the future should excite the club’s fans.