Middlesbrough will have to agree a Manchester City demand if they want to sign Micah Hamilton.
Boro are looking to end the 2024 summer transfer window with a flurry of new additions.
Middlesbrough began the window in hectic fashion, signing three senior players for Michael Carrick.
Luke Ayling returned to the Riverside Stadium on a free transfer after impressing on loan from Leeds United in the second half of the previous campaign.
The Teessiders then strengthened their forward line with a left-winger addition.
Delano Burgzorg scored his first Middlesbrough goal versus Bolton Wanders after joining from Mainz 05 ahead of pre-season.
The Dutchman’s arrival was swiftly followed by Aidan Morris signing from MLS outfit, Columbus Crew.
Following Morris joining, the North East outfit saw their transfer activity slow down a great deal.
But now we are in the final month of the window, things are beginning to pick up again.
Manchester City interest key clause in Middlesbrough move for Micah Hamilton
It emerged last week that Middlesbrough are trying to sign Tommy Conway from Bristol City.
Fellow Championship sides Hull City and Burnley are also interested in snapping up the striker this summer.
But Boro News understands Middlesbrough have the edge in the Conway transfer race as the club’s hierarchy is close to the striker’s agents, and that good relationship could give them an advantage.
This week, meanwhile, it has emerged that the Teessiders are closing in on a move for Micah Hamilton of Manchester City.
Hamilton would be a major get for Middlesbrough but it is understood the Sky Blues have interested a buy-back clause into the deal.
Boro News spoke to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about Hamilton joining the North East outfit.
He said: “Micah Hamilton is a top prospect, and Middlesbrough getting him is very exciting.
“City know Boro well following on from their signings of Morgan Rogers and Terrell Agyemang last summer, but City have also learned a lesson.
“They did not land as much as they hoped with Rogers as he went to Villa but with Hamilton it is understood they have put a buy-back clause in, so if he does well this is a glamour loan.
“And people who don’t these get used, we only need to look at example of Jaden Philogene and him moving back to Aston Villa, these things will happen more and more now.”
Middlesbrough may have made mistake with Micah Hamilton transfer
It is easy to see why Manchester City want to include a buy-back clause in a deal for Hamilton.
The 20-year-old is not quite ready to feature for Pep Guardiola’s side on a regular basis but he is still a serious talent.
The versatile attacking midfielder made his senior debut for the Manchester outfit in 2023/24.
Hamilton featured in two Championship matches for City, scoring one and assisting one in a 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade.
Such quality would greatly boost Middlesbrough’s promotion chances in 2024/25 but the transfer does feel like something a lose-lose situation for Carrick and co.
If Hamilton does well at Boro, Man City will likely activate that buy-back clause to take him away from the club.
Alternatively, if the Englishman fails to live up to expectations, City opt against re-signing him and Middlesbrough are left with an underperforming player.
The best-case scenario seems to be Hamilton has a great 2024/25, helps Boro get promoted, and then they can use their new-found Premier League money to replace the winger if the Citizens bring him back to the Etihad.