With the deadline for completed transfers looming, there are still deals to be done, and as much as fans are excitedly awaiting the arrival of more new players, it is likely that some existing members of the Boro squad will be heading the other way.
Middlesbrough’s transfer window so far has seen a huge turnover, with the loss of as many as five regular first team players from last season. But Boro have acted swiftly, bringing in nine new faces on permanent deals.
In the case of investing in permanent signings, it may turn out to be smart business in that taking players on loan deals may require some of their wages to be paid. When you are loaning Premier League players, a percentage of their handsome salary can prove expensive.
It has been a period of transition at The Riverside. With that in mind, Boro fans should not expect too many more departures come next Friday. But the fact remains, you can only play eleven players, and only have 20 in the match-day squad.
The other caveat with outgoing players is that it should not be the case that the club are financially dependent on sales. There should not be an immediate need to balance the books, given that they have received a healthy sum from the sale of Chuba Akpom.
Boro players who could be out before the transfer deadline
That said, if an offer for a player comes in – particularly someone not considered a first team regular – and it is attractive enough to consider, then it cannot be ruled out.
There are players in the squad that, when everyone is fit, may struggle to get regular game time at the club. There has been some speculation around the availability of Paddy McNair this summer. He could be someone who – for the right price – Middlesbrough entertain offers for.
Newly promoted Luton Town are said to be interested in the Northern Ireland international who has played for Boro this season, but in a makeshift right-back role rather than his favoured position of centre-back.
Another who could leave the Riverside, is a player who seems to be struggling to impress enough to be considered for the first team. Martin Payero is yet to make an appearance in Boro’s first three league games and looks destined for another move away from the Riverside.
Boro fans seemed desperate for the Argentine to show his worth upon the midfielder’s return from Boca Juniors. But it just hasn’t happened for the 24-year-old. A loan deal back to South America could be the most plausible outcome.
Striker could be loaned out
Any other departures would probably be in the form of loan deals. More from the perspective of ensuring their development does not stagnate. So Josh Coburn is the obvious candidate in that respect. Josh is at an important period in his career where he has shown he can compete in the football league and will want the opportunity to continue to play regularly after signing a new deal with the club this summer.
Middlesbrough will also want that and, with Michael Carrick hopeful of bringing in another striker, his chances at Boro will be limited. So, providing another striker does come in, another loan deal is likely to be sanctioned. Bristol Rovers enjoyed having the youngster last season, there won’t be any shortage of potential suitors if Boro give the green light for a move.
Middlesbrough may also listen to loan offers for some of other their other young talents; players like left-back Bryant Bilongo, or striker Daniel Nkrumah, who has impressed so far since his summer move. They may benefit from Football League experience at this point in their career. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, it will be interesting to see which Boro players have moved on come September 2.