Middlesbrough should change their transfer stance on the signing of a player Michael Carrick called ‘special’.
Middlesbrough have enjoyed a busy start to the 2024 summer transfer window with three signings made already.
Boro have added a winger, right-back and midfielder to their ranks in the space of a month but further additions will likely be needed if Michael Carrick is to make a proper promotion push in 2024/25.
One area the North East outfit should look to strengthen in is central midfield.
Aidan Morris arrived from Columbus Crew last week and should prove a creative option in the centre of the park.
However, even with the 22-year-old joining the club, Boro may still be lacking depth in midfield come the start of this season.
Paddy McNair can no longer be called upon to fill in there after he left on a free transfer last month.
Elsewhere, there are question marks around Riley McGree’s future now he is in the final 12 months of his contract.
Dan Barlaser has also received transfer interest from Turkey, Jonny Howson is unlikely to be able to play 46 games due to his age and Hayden Hackney has received Premier League interest.
Middlesbrough should change transfer stance on Lewis O’Brien
Middlesbrough’s midfield ranks have also been depleted after Lewis O’Brien returned to Nottingham Forest from a loan spell.
O’Brien joined Forest in 2022 but has only made 17 appearances for the Midlands outfit and now looks set to leave the club this summer.
Nottinghamshire Live report that the 25-year-old is expected to be among a number of players who depart the club this summer, with Championship sides Luton Town and Norwich City named as interested parties.
The same report claims Middlesbrough decided against pursuing a permanent deal for O’Brien once his loan expired, and that stance it understood not to have changed.
However, after showing patches of quality throughout 2023/24, Boro should change their stance on a move for the Englishman and look to sign him this summer.
Why Middlesbrough should give ‘special’ O’Brien second chance
O’Brien made 25 appearances for Middlesbrough in 2023/24, providing one assist.
However, the midfielder was never really given a proper chance to show his true quality, missing 17 games midway through the campaign due to injury.
O’Brien was also a victim of Boro’s injury issues even when fit, being made to fill in at left-back on several occasions.
Despite his struggles, Carrick was seemingly a big fan of the player and dubbed him ‘special’ back in February 2024, as per the Northern Echo.
He 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.”
This shows Carrick is clearly a fan of what O’Brien can offer, with the player earning high praise despite an injury-hit campaign.
And with Boro needing to add reinforcement to their midfield, a move for O’Brien this summer does make sense.