Middlesbrough have several bright prospects in their academy and three of them could play a key role in the 2024/25 season.
Since the arrival of Michael Carrick at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough have been keen to give their young players a chance to succeed in the first-team squad.
Boro have an excellent academy, with some of their best graduates made up of names like Stewart Downing, Ben Gibson, and current senior star, Dael Fry.
One of the latest players to graduate from Middlesbrough’s academy was Hayden Hackney.
Hackney made his senior debut for his local club at 18 years of age during a 2-1 FA Cup defeat versus Brentford on January 9th, 2021.
The now 22-year-old’s game time has increased over the last few years and he has become a key figure for the Teessiders.
Hackney signed a new deal in 2023 and was handed the number seven shirt prior to 2023/24.
Injury derailed his campaign somewhat but the Englishman still impressed, including in the League Cup when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Following Hackney’s successful integration into the Middlesbrough first-team, Boro News have taken a look at three current academy starlets who could play a key role in the 2024/25 season.
Law McCabe
Law McCabe made his senior Boro debut last season, coming off the bench for two minutes versus Preston North End on November 28th, 2023.
The 18-year-old played two more first-team Champions games in 2023/24, starting on the final day in a 3-1 victory over Watford.
McCabe is a central midfielder and has already earned comparisons to the aforementioned Hackney, though Carrick was quick to play them down so as to not put too much pressure on the teenager.
However, Middlesbrough clearly believe McCabe has a bright future at the Riverside as he signed a new four-year contract recently.
With Jonny Howson now 36 years old, McCabe could be a viable replacement for the Boro skipper and should be given more minutes in the coming season.
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Sonny Finch
Signing a new centre-forward remains a priority for Middlesbrough in the current transfer window.
However, the North East outfit already have a player waiting in the wings who can plug the hole in their squad.
Sonny Finch joined Boro’s academy at U14 level and has so far made five senior appearances for the club.
The 18-year-old’s 2023/24 season was hampered by injury but he still scored six goals in seven Premier League 2 appearances.
Finch, along with McCabe, has traveled to Portugal for the club’s warm-weather training camp and should be given a chance to impress in pre-season.
Ajay Mattews
While Middlesbrough’s first team is lacking depth in the forward department, their academy is full of it.
Middlesbrough-born Ajay Matthews joined the club at U9 level and has excelled at every age group since then.
This past season saw the 18-year-old score 16 goals in 17 starts for Boro’s youth side.
Carrick also afforded Matthews his senior debut in 2023/24, earning minutes versus Cardiff City and Leeds United.
Matthews’ superb form has led to Celtic and Rangers showing an interest in the striker this summer but Carrick should aim to keep him at the club and offer him more chances in the senior team.