Middlesbrough lost Morgan Rogers after just six months and the same fate could await one of their current stars.
Boro signed Morgan Rogers from Manchester City in July 2023 for around £1.2m.
The City Academy star had very little senior experience when he moved to the Riverside Stadium but quickly became a key player for Michael Carrick.
The 22-year-old made 33 appearances for Middlesbrough across all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign.
In said ties, he found the net on seven occasions and provided a very respectable nine assists for the Reds.
However, that type of form was bound to, and did, attract interest in the January transfer window.
And six months after his arrival, the Teessiders sold Rogers to Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
The England U21 international has taken to the top flight like a duck to water and one current Boro star may now follow in his footsteps.
Middlesbrough in danger of suffering Morgan Rogers repeat with Aidan Morris
Middlesbrough signed Aidan Morris from MLS outfit Columbus Crew in July for £3.18m.
Like Rogers, the midfielder had no experience in the Championship prior to his summer transfer.
However, Morris has been dubbed an ‘incredible find’ by one EFL pundit after his sensational start to the 2024/25 campaign.
Barring a mistake against Swansea City on his debut that nearly led to a goal, the USA international has been impeccable and is already a key player for the Teessiders.
Carrick called the midfielder ‘fantastic’ after the clash with Swansea, as per the Northern Echo, while Morris has become a fan favourite at Middlesbrough for his tireless work-rate and high-quality passing.
But if the 22-year-old keeps up his current form over the coming months, there is a real chance a Premier League side come in and sign him in January, much like Villa did with Rogers last season.
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Will Middlesbrough sell Aidan Morris in January
Boro losing Rogers midway through 2023/24 did not help their promotion chances.
Sam Greenwood struggled during his loan spell from Leeds United while Riley McGree’s campaign was marred by injury and international commitments.
Should Morris follow in his footsteps this term, Middlesbrough will have a hard time replacing him.
Boro captain Jonny Howson is 36 and currently out injured while backup midfield options Dan Barlaser and Law McCabe lack the quality and experience to play regularly for a promotion-chasing team.
In turn, it would be a major blow if their American gem was to leave for the Premier League in January.
On the plus side though, Boro are in a much better position when it comes to selling players than they were this time last year.
Middlesbrough’s financial situation is positive after the sales of Rogers and Chuba Akpom, making the need to sell players much lesser going forward.
But given Morris has no real connection to Teesside, it is not far-fetched to assume his head would be turned if a top-flight team came calling in the winter.