Middlesbrough will have decisions to make on a number of players come the end of the season.
Those will revolve largely around the futures of player currently on the books permanently at The Riverside Stadium.
That may come in the form of players who are either out of contract with the club, or set to attract interest from elsewhere.
However, Michael Carrick and his backroom staff may also have to make decisions on certain individuals currently on loan at Middlesbrough.
One player who finds himself in that situation is Sam Greenwood. Now, Carrick has been speaking about what the future might hold for the attacker.
Michael Carrick discusses possible Sam Greenwood deal
Back in the summer transfer window, Greenwood joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan from Leeds United.
As part of that deal, ‘Boro have the option to make that move permanent this summer, for a fee of £1.5million.
Asked by The Northern Echo whether that might happen, Carrick claimed he is more interested in ‘focusing on the games’, adding that ‘it will work itself out’.
The Middlesbrough boss also went on to praise Greenwood’s ‘great’ response to losing his spot in the starting XI in recent games.
Yet despite all that, there does seem to be an argument that a permanent move for the Leeds United loanee is not something ‘Boro should be making this summer.
Sam Greenwood deal may not be worth it for Middlesbrough
According to SofaScore, Greenwood scored five goals and provided three assists in 31 Championship appearances for Carrick’s side so far this season.
Given his role as an attack-minded player, that is arguably not the most efficient he could have been.
Indeed, his Expected Goals tally is higher at 5.53, and he has missed five big chances for Middlesbrough this season.
Given they will, at the very least, be aiming to challenge for promotion next season, ‘Boro more want a more proficient finisher in front of goal to step up for them at that point.
Meanwhile, the 22-year-old has won just 30% of his duels, and successfully completed only 26% of his dribbles so far this season. As a result, it apears he has struggled with other aspects of his game as well.
Beyond that, the fact he has not started any of the last three games, with Middlesbrough winning all of them, may suggest there are others offering more to this team right now.
It is also worth noting that it has been suggested ‘Boro will not have a particularly large transfer budget come the summer.
The £1.5million they would have to use to sign Greenwood, could therefore arguably be put towards signing a player who may be able to make a more significant impact next season, if not used here.
With all that in mind, it does seem as though taking up the option to sign the Leeds United loanee permanently, could be something of a gamble for Middlesbrough.