Middlesbrough have dipped into the loan market this season to help plug the gaps that they were unable to fill with their approach to permanent transfers.
Two players arrived in the summer, in the shape of Leeds United’s Sam Greenwood and Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien, and another two joined the group in January with Luke Thomas coming in from Leicester City and Luke Ayling making it two players from Daniel Farke’s Leeds outfit.
Here we take a look at the varying fortunes of the players and their performances this season, and also at the current situation regarding the possibility of Middlesbrough pursuing a permanent deal this summer.
Sam Greenwood
Sam Greenwood warmed into his Middlesbrough stint as Michael Carrick took his time ensuring the Leeds man knew exactly what was asked of him and how the side operates. It seemed the 22-year-old was desperate to play and have an impact, and when he was given a run of games, he did just that.
The injury to Riley McGree saw him given a prolonged period of time in the side and he showed glimpses of what he is capable of with six goal involvements in eight games which included a quite sumptuous free-kick winner against Leicester.
Unfortunately, the goals and assists have dried up somewhat since and he has found himself further down the pecking order. There is no questioning his commitment when he does pull on the red shirt of Middlesbrough. There is a player desperate to play and give his all for the cause, sometimes that can even overrun into unnecessary fouls on his part.
With eight games to go, he surely still has time to make an impact this season.
What next?
Middlesbrough have acted shrewdly to secure a fixed sum in terms of a buy option come the end of the season. Should Michael Carrick and his team wish to pursue a permanent deal for the ex-Arsenal academy graduate, then they will shell out a fee of £1.5million to acquire his services permanently, the agreed fee between the two teams.
However, predictably, it is not quite that straight forward. If Leeds were to be promoted, Greenwood is likely to command a larger salary, given that his current team would be in the Premier League. Then there is the small matter of the player wanting to come to a side that is still in the Championship as opposed to staying at Leeds who could be a top-tier team.
Middlesbrough fans might be lukewarm on a deal given a bit of a lull in form, but we should remember, he is only 22-years-old and is still developing. The technical side of his game is very good and he could still represent good value. No deal.
Lewis O’Brien
With bags of Championship experience, Carrick knew what he was getting with Lewis. His best position is undoubtedly in central midfield, but he was trusted enough to fill in at left-back early in the season when injuries were rife. Unfortunately, O’Brien then suffered a bad injury himself, with ankle ligament damage and a fractured tibia ruling him out from September to January.
It is testament to his character that upon his return, he got straight back into the side and was one of the most consistent performers. So much so that Middlesbrough fans consider him to be one of, if not the strongest loan player from the group.
What next?
O’Brien is on loan from Nottingham Forest, a team who could drop into the Championship next season following their recent points deduction. That could complicate matters in terms of whether the Midlands club still see a future for him.
His contract at Forest runs until 2026, so he is still very much their player and what fee they would command would very much depend on whether Middlesbrough pursue a deal or not. At 25, he still fits the recruitment model dynamic and would surely be a worthy addition to the squad. Especially when you factor in that the brilliant Jonny Howson – who turns 36 in May- will presumably not be an ever present next season.
He has turned in some excellent displays of late, including a man of the match performance against Leicester. His leadership qualities make him an even better bet.
Carrick described him as a ‘special’ character when assessing his return from injury.
Carrick said:
“He’s been great. He’s came on loan, played out of position initially at left-back and then he gets injured. He’s just coming back and finding his way back in. But his personality and character around the place is pretty special, to be honest.”
If Boro’s Head Coach can persuade him to buy in to what they are trying to achieve, then a deal must be on the cards. Deal.
Luke Ayling
Ayling’s performances have shown gradual improvement. Middlesbrough leaked goals like an old farm bucket until they made the switch to three at the back. With that slight tweak, Ayling’s performances improved. No longer shackled by his full-back responsibilities, with weary legs tracking the Championship’s tricky, jet-heeled wingers, he was able to push high up the pitch as a wing-back and support attacks.
He has managed three assists as a result of his marauding style and is the perfect foil for Lukas Engel who plays similarly on the left-hand side.
Ayling was brought in as much for his leadership on and off the field, as for his ability on the pitch. Five yellow cards pretty much explains the battling qualities he possesses, and whilst you would not recommend a player amassing too many cards, he know exactly how to manage games. Something Boro have struggled with in the past.
What next?
Ayling’s contract expires this summer, and it has been confirmed that he will no longer be required at Elland Road. He lost his place to the irrepressible talent Archie Gray this season, and Leeds clearly want to go in a different direction on the right-hand side.
That means that Ayling could effectively be playing for his future at Middlesbrough this season, though he would have plenty of suitors should Boro decide against a deal for the experienced, combative 32-year-old. With Head of Football Kieran Scott and the recruitment team generally preferring to secure players in the 18-24 age bracket, this one could be an anomaly. A short-term deal could make sense for all parties. The future of Tommy Smith- another who is experienced and over 30- could also play its part in any move for Ayling. Carrick would welcome an elder statesman as it were to help with younger players in that position, but there may not be room for both of them. Deal.
Luke Thomas
There is no getting away from the fact, Thomas’ performances in a Middlesbrough shirt have not been great. The Leicester left-back came with good pedigree and having played 68 games in the Premier League, he should not be judged too harshly. He was brought in to assist with the absence of Alex Bangura, who suffered a long-term injury.
His games for Boro unfortunately coincided with the mini-slump endured by Carrick’s side. Clean sheets were hard to come by, which left the 22-year-old a bit exposed. It should also be pointed out, that the way Middlesbrough set-up, means that whoever plays on the left-side of attacking midfield, whether it’s McGree, Azaz or Greenwood. They tend to drift inside to a ten position. That leaves the left-back exposed at times.
What next?
An interesting one as his contract expires this summer. Having been loaned out to Sheffield United and Middlesbrough already, it would appear his Leicester career could be in the balance. If Carrick can find the player that the club thought they were getting before the end of the season, then a free transfer could be of value. But with Bangura and Engel better placed to occupy that left-back/left wing-back berth, priorities lay elsewhere. No deal.