New Middlesbrough signing Aidan Morris has been showcasing what he can bring to Michael Carrick’s team in 2024/25.
Middlesbrough have had an impressive start to the 2024 summer transfer window.
With the backing of Steve Gibson, Michael Carrick and Kieran Scott have acted swiftly to sign four players already.
Luke Ayling has returned to the Riverside Stadium after an impressive loan spell last term, while Delano Burgzorg will add some attacking depth to the first-team squad.
Harley Hunt signed from Swindon Town and he is expected to link up with the Boro academy in 2024/25.
Middlesbrough’s marquee transfer of the window so far, though, was Aidan Morris.
Morris joined the Teessiders from MLS outfit Columbus Crew for a fee of £3.16m and big things are expected of the 22-year-old.
Aidan Morris shows off shooting skills in Middlesbrough training
After confirming a move for Morris, it was expected that the midfielder would take part in the upcoming 2024 Olympics with the USA.
However, Middlesbrough have been handed a boost as Morris has now been left out of USA’s 18-man squad for the Paris games.
In turn, the North East outfit have a full pre-season to work with their latest senior signing.
Boro are currently in Portugal for a warm-weather training camp and have been active on social media.
One clip in particular should excite Middlesbrough fans heading into the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Posting on Instagram with the caption ‘Shooting practice’ Middlesbrough showcased a clip of Morris knocking the ball past a free-kick mannequin before smashing an effort into the goal.
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Hayden Hackney and Aidan Morris can be future of Middlesbrough midfield
In the same clip, Hayden Hackney was also showing off his shooting skills following a return from injury.
The Englishman was a key fixture in Carrick’s midfield in 2024/25 and is now set to rival Morris for a place in the eleven.
Long term, though, Middlesbrough should be aiming to make the aforementioned duo their starting midfield pairing.
Jonny Howson and Hackney are expected to fill that role when 2024/25 gets underway, giving Morris time to settle in.
But with Howson 36 years of age, it would be wise for Carrick to start fazing him out of the eleven despite him being the club captain.