The summer transfer window has only been shut for two weeks but Middlesbrough are already making plans for next year.
It was a hectic but very productive summer transfer window for Middlesbrough’s Head of Football, Kieran Scott.
After missing out on the play-offs by just four points in the previous campaign, Boro had to strengthen well this summer and they did.
Every outfield position has seen at least one new face brought in to provide quality depth and healthy competition.
Luke Ayling is the Reds’ first-choice right-back following his move from Leeds United.
Elsewhere in defence, centre-back George Edmundson and left-back Neto Borges have arrived at the Riverside.
Aidan Morris has impressed for Middlesbrough in the centre of the park following his move from the MLS.
And further forward, Ben Doak, Micah Hamilton, Delano Burgzorg and Tommy Conway will bring plenty of goals and assists for Michael Carrick.
Kieran Scott drops Middlesbrough transfer plan hint
With all those names through the door, Boro now have one of the best all-round squads in the Championship.
Even with the persistent injury issues, Boro still have quality depth in every area.
However, despite the window only shutting on August 30th, work has already begun behind the scenes at Middlesbrough for the January and 2025 summer transfer windows.
Speaking on the You Are My Boro podcast, Scott revealed that he and his team have began looking at players who will be free agents next year.
Middlesbrough are also targeting specific countries that Scott believes has players that suit Carrick’s style.
He said: “Chris and his scouting team came in yesterday and we all sat around all day yesterday and discussed January and what I want from them in terms of just moving up a level now.
“There’s a good squad there, it’s not going to be mass building of groups now, it’s going to be individuals that we target, maybe that are out of contract.
“We were even discussing players yesterday that are out of contract in the summer for both scenarios, so whether it’s the Premier League or whether it’s a Championship scenario.
“We spoke about certain countries that we feel suit Michael and what he wants from players and being a little bit more aggressive in them countries.”
- READ MORE: Kieran Scott reveals how Middlesbrough beat Premier League club to ‘great’ summer signing
What positions should Middlesbrough target next summer
While their squad is very well-stocked right now, that could all change come the summer of 2025.
Jonny Howson is 36 and out of contract at the end of this season, meaning he will need to be replaced.
Right-back is another area of concern for the Teessiders moving forward.
Ayling is 33 and will be in the final 12 months of his deal come July 2025 while backup option Tommy Smith is 32 and has spent nearly a year on the sidelines.
In turn, no matter what division Boro are in come 2025, it seems obvious that a new right-back and central midfielder should be brought in.