Carlton Palmer believes that one Middlesbrough midfielder is set to depart in the January transfer window.
Middlesbrough were active in the summer transfer window, signing eight players in total, but are almost certainly going to be busy again come January.
Michael Carrick has a plethora of options across the pitch and that may also mean departures in the winter and Palmer feels that one name is in pole position to leave the Riverside Stadium in the next few months.
Carlton Palmer expects Dan Barlaser to leave Middlesbrough
Dan Barlaser has struggled since joining from Rotherham United in January 2023 and even came under fire from supporters for his performances last season.
Barlaser did look set to leave in the summer after Turkish side Trabzonspor approached Boro, but a deal could not be agreed.
The midfielder has featured six times in all competitions so far this season but Palmer believes that time is up for the 27-year-old and that he will leave Teesside in January.
He told The Football League World: “I think it’s almost certain that Dan Barlaser will push for an exit in the January transfer window.
“He’s barely featured and Jonny Howson is still to return.
“At his age, you want to play football and if you’re not getting game time, it’s better to move on, and that’s both for the club and the player.
Middlesbrough injury updates including the latest on Jonny Howson
Matt Clarke and Tommy Conway are expected to be back for next weekend’s game against Bristol City which starts a run of games that could define Boro’s season.
There are also hopes that Howson will be able to return after the break, which could in turn push Barlaser further down the pecking order.
Dael Fry began training before the Watford game and will certainly be back in contention however Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith, Lukas Engel, and Alex Bangura are all out.