The 2024 summer transfer window has been open for just over six weeks and Middlesbrough have bought and sold a number of players.
In comparison to previous seasons, the 2024 summer transfer window has been a rather tame one for Middlesbrough.
Michael Carrick has made four signings in total. Delano Burgzorg, Aidan Morris and Luke Ayling will join the first-team squad.
16-year-old centre-back Harley Hunt was bought from Swindon Town and has since linked up with Boro’s academy.
There have also been a number of outgoings at the Riverside Stadium in the current window.
Paddy McNair, Liam Roberts and Jamie Jones have left on free transfers, while Hayden Coulson was sold to Blackpool.
Zach Hemming and Sammy Silvera will spend 2024/25 out on loan at Leyton Orient and Portsmouth.
Here are the three biggest winners and three biggest losers from Middlesbrough’s summer transfer window so far, starting with the winners.
Riley McGree
Riley McGree’s future at the Riverside was in doubt following the close of the 2023/24 season.
The Australian had just 12 months left on his Boro contract and fell out of favor in the previous season – in part due to injury and international commitments.
However, McGree has now signed a four-year extension and has been a regular starter on the left wing in pre-season.
Sam Greenwood returning to Leeds United and Silvera going out on loan has handed the midfielder a clear path back into the eleven.
Rav van den Berg
Rav van den Berg enjoyed a superb debut campaign in England, being named Middlesbrough Player of the Year for 2023/24.
However, the Dutchman potentially could have had a better season if not for injury issues elsewhere in the squad.
The 20-year-old was forced to cover out of position at right-back in the first half of last season.
He returned to his natural centre-back role when Ayling joined on loan and now the 32-year-old has signed permanently this summer, Van den Berg should be given a full season to shine in his natural position.
Sol Brynn
Middlesbrough started the 2024 summer transfer window with five senior keepers.
However, Jamies Jones has left the club on a free, while Hemming has been loaned to Leyton Orient.
Following Hemming’s transfer, Carrick confirmed he plans to keep Sol Brynn at Middlesbrough for 2024/25.
Brynn is yet to make a senior appearance for the Teessiders but now looks set to be given a chance in the coming months.
Zach Hemming
The first loser of Middlesbrough’s 2024 summer transfer window is the aforementioned Hemming.
Hemming and Brynn both spent 2023/24 out on loan but it was the former who really impressed.
Hemming excelled at St Miren, helping them secure a Europa Conference League place.
As a result, it was expected the goalkeeper would play some part for Middlesbrough next term.
However, he has instead been loaned to a League One side, which is something of a step down.
Dan Barlaser
The departures of Lewis O’Brien and Paddy McNair early in the summer left a slight hole in Middlesbrough’s midfield.
Dan Barlaser may have been hoping to stake a claim to become a more regular starter as a result, but that does not look set to be the case.
Morris is expected to be a key figure in the centre of the park after his £3.18m transfer, while Law McCabe will see more action after signing a new deal recently.
In turn, Barlaser is expected to continue in his rotational role going into 2024/25.
Alex Gilbert
Alex Gilbert joined Boro on a free transfer from Brentford last summer and struggled for regular football in 2023/24.
He made just 15 appearances for the Teessiders last term and is likely to see his game time similarly limited in 2024/25.
McGree penning fresh terms and Burgzorg’s arrival will keep the 22-year-old low down the attacking pecking order.
A loan move for Gilbert may be the best option at this stage, but that does not look set to happen.