Kieran Scott should look to repeat a successful 2023/24 transfer trick to strengthen a currently weak area for Middlesbrough.
Kieran Scott joined Middlesbrough in September of 2021, becoming the club’s Head of Football.
Scott made the move from Norwich City following several years of poor transfer decisions at Boro.
The Teesside outfit brought in numerous players who did not really fit the manager’s style, with it clear there was no long-term plan for any of them.
This saw Middlesbrough struggle to cement themselves as a top Championship side, leading to Steve Gibson appointing several managers as he eyed a quick fix.
However, since Scott’s arrival at the Riverside, it is clear Boro have a long-term plan, with the squad being carefully built around Michael Carrick.
Carrick signed a new three-year deal with the North East outfit last month and work has continued to ensure the right players are brought in for the former Manchester United midfielder.
Kieran Scott should repeat Luke Ayling transfer trick this summer
Under Scott, the likes of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Seny Dieng and Morgan Rodgers have been signed to great success.
The latter joined Aston Villa last season, handing Boro a very tidy transfer profit on the winger.
Dieng has firmly cemented himself as the club’s number one, while Latte Lath scored an impressive 16 goals in 30 Championship games last term.
One of the most surprising success stories from Scott’s stint at Middlesbrough has been Luke Ayling.
A lack of quality and injury issues meant the North East outfit were desperate for right-back reinforcements midway through 2023/24.
In turn, Boro loaned Ayling from Leeds United in January to great success. The defender provided a staggering eight assists in just 19 games for the club.
Ayling has now been signed on a permanent basis and is expected to be a key figure in their 2024/25 promotion push.
Scott should copy Ayling blueprint to strengthen left-wing
Following the success of Ayling’s transfer to Middlesbrough, Scott should aim to repeat that trick to improve Boro’s left flank.
Sam Greenwood was the club’s main left-winger in 2023/24 but he has now returned to Leeds after his loan.
Sammy Silvera was the back-up option, but he has joined Portsmouth on loan for the 2024/25 campaign.
This leaves Middlesbrough with an inexperienced Alex Gilbert and new signing Delano Burgzorg as the only viable options in this position.
The former has not shown he is good enough to start on a regular basis for Boro, while Burgzorg may be needed through the middle next term.
As a result, it is clear Middlesbrough need to add some quality experience to their left flank this summer and Scott should look to target a player with a similar profile to Ayling.
Which player Scott should pursue remains to be seen, but he has already shown with the Ayling deal he is the right man to find Carrick a top wide option to strengthen the currently weak area.