Middlesbrough have a plethora of quality academy talent and Michael Carrick has earmarked one starlet for a first-team role in 2024/25.
Despite never cementing themselves as one of the top clubs in England, Boro have always had a solid academy.
Some of Middlesbrough’s best academy graduates include former England international Stewart Downing and now Premier League star, Marcus Tavernier.
In the current Middlesbrough first-team, meanwhile, the likes of Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney broke through the club’s youth ranks and are now regular features in the senior side.
Hackney had a particularly impressive 2023/24 campaign, which included scoring the winner versus Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final.
Manager Michael Carrick is not afraid to hand young stars a chance in the first team, with Law McCbae breaking into the eleven at the back end of last season.
Now, it appears another Middlesbrough academy graduate could earn a promotion in the forthcoming campaign.
Michael Carrick to hand Sonny Finch senior opportunities at Middlesbrough
The player in question is 18-year-old centre-forward Sonny Finch, who joined the North East outfit’s academy at U14 level.
Finch was handed his league debut by Carrick in March 2023 and earned high praise from the Boro boss post-match, as per Teesside Live.
He said: “Finchy has been excellent in training and I thought he deserved his chance.
“I’m delighted for Sonny. He’s one we’ve been looking at for some time now, as we do any of the younger players.”
Finch’s 2023/24 season was derailed by injury but he still scored six in seven Premier League 2 games.
Now, Teesside Live report that Finch is a player who Carrick has earmarked as someone who can earn more game-time in the 2024/25 Championship season.
Sonny Finch could solve Middlesbrough striker problem
Boro News understands that Middlesbrough want to sign another striker during the remainder of the 2024 summer transfer window.
Emmanuel Latte Lath is set to be Carrick’s main number nine after scoring 11 in his last 12 Championship appearances.
Josh Coburn is currently backup for the Ivorian but question marks remain over his ability to deputies for Latte Lath.
But if Finch is going to be handed a chance to impress in 2024/25, Middlesbrough may not need to dip into the market for another striker.
There is, of course, some risk in relying on an 18-year-old with limited experience but Carrick has put trust in young players previously to great reward.