A recent social media post from Middlesbrough has highlighted a key issue Michael Carrick needs to address in the transfer window.
Middlesbrough go into the 2024/25 Championship campaign on the back of a fine run of form.
Michael Carrick was able to oversee a run of just one loss in 12 league games at the end of 2023/24.
Such impressive form has boosted hope of a promotion push from the Teessiders in the coming campaign.
On top of an improved run of results, Middlesbrough have made several smart signings already this summer.
Luke Ayling, Aidan Morris, and Delano Burgzorg will all improve the first-team squad in 2024/25.
The North East outfit have also moved to clear out some of the deadwood from Carrick’s team.
Hayden Coulson, Paddy McNair, and Liam Roberts have all left permanently. Sammy Silvera has also been loaned out to gain more senior experience.
However, there are still a couple of issues that will need addressing in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Middlesbrough goalkeeper problem highlighted
One such issue is the fact Middlesbrough currently have too many senior goalkeepers on their books.
Seny Dieng, Tom Glover, and Jamie Jones were Carrick’s three options in the 2023/24 campaign.
However, Zach Hemming and Sol Brynn have now returned to the Riverside Stadium after loan spells.
Middlesbrough are currently preparing for their pre-season games with a warm-weather training camp in Portugal.
While away, Middlesbrough have shared a post which highlights the fact they have too many senior keepers.
Taking to Instagram with the caption ‘GK union’, Boro shared a post of four of their five senior keepers in training.
Brynn was the only absentee from the post but he is still expected to be at the club come the start of 2024/25.
Which goalkeeper should Middlesbrough sell
Jones, Boro’s third-choice last term, is currently a free agent but is still training with the club and is expected to sign a new contract soon.
The 35-year-old, who is yet to play a game for Middlesbrough, will take up the role of third-choice once more.
Dieng will be Carrick’s number one, leaving Glover, Brynn, and Hemming all competing to be second choice.
The former of that trio is an Australian international and will likely need more regular minutes to maintain his place in the national team.
Middlesbrough also signed Glover for free last year, meaning they would be able to make a quick profit with his sale.
As for Brynn and Hemming, the latter had a better 2023/24 on loan at St Miren so would probably be the best second-choice option.
However, his displays for the Scottish outfit also mean Middlesbrough may get a decent transfer fee if they sell him this year.