Scorer of important and timely goals, Matt Crooks is likely to have a place in the hearts of Middlesbrough fans for a long time.
But he has left for pastures new, signing for MLS side Real Salt Lake, which leaves Michael Carrick with sizeable boots to fill in attack. The fact that he was incredibly versatile and able to play a number of positions makes that task even more difficult.
Attacking midfielder Crooks, or ‘Tree’ as he is affectionately known, left Middlesbrough with the club’s blessing after stating his desire to pursue his dream of playing football in a different country. He found it difficult to turn down the opportunity to take his family to the US and experience a different way of life.
Now Middlesbrough must look at replacing the void left by a player who – whilst on Teesside – played number 10, centre-forward, central-midfield and on the right-hand side.
The plethora of positions played by Crooks will go some way to explaining the variety of the players identified in this piece that could replace him.
These three players are in the final months of their contract and could be realistic targets for Middlesbrough, who like everyone else have to be mindful of the FFP implications placed on their transfer business.
What’s more, these players, because of their contract status, would not command a transfer fee.
Here are the players that Middlesbrough could potentially target this summer.
Chris Willock would be shrewd Middlesbrough signing
Willock is an attacking midfielder/forward who is a strong runner and can strike a ball too, as Boro fans will well remember. His hellacious rocket from outside the area at the beginning of the 22/23 season was as memorable as it was infuriating. He strode through the middle of the park, shrugging off two challenges before burying his shot into the top corner.
The QPR man is still only 26-years-old and has represented England at Under 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 level and has managed three goals and two assists in a struggling side this campaign.
Willock is someone who has been mentioned during the transfer rumour mill on occasions before and it is easy to understand why. He is right-footed but can play on the left or through the middle and could be a gamble worth taking.
Callum O’Hare
Another who always seems to play well against Middlesbrough. His busy, energetic style is different to that of a Crooks or a Willock, but he is extremely prolific for an attacking midfielder and makes things happen.
He is bang in form at the moment and he is likely to court a lot of attention in the summer, which could go against the odds of Middlesbrough signing him.
Managing nine goals and three assists in 20 appearances this season, he is definitely one who impacts games. Imagine his creativity alongside the pace and craft of Isaiah Jones and Riley McGree.
O’Hare is 25-years-old and so still fits the dynamic of the club’s recruitment policy of signing players in and around the 18-25 age bracket.
Sam Gallagher
Sam Gallagher is very much a different threat again to the previously mentioned players with expiring contracts. Crooks was often utilised by Carrick as a plan B type player from the bench. Someone who could offer a direct threat from set-pieces or as an individual who was adept at getting on the end of things. The rangy ex-Rotherham man was the master at arriving in and around the six-yard-box to finish a move.
Gallagher is in that similar mould. A big, imposing striker, who would more often than not win his duels and bring others into play. He can also score goals from long distance.
Much will depend on the type of striker Middlesbrough are able to bring in during the summer as to whether this move could work or not. But as a free signing, he may be someone who is looked at.
Gallagher has scored two goals in 10 appearances this season and Blackburn have an option to extend his contract for a year should they wish to do so.