Middlesbrough should now have a good idea about which position they must strengthen in January.
Boro had, on paper at least, a very good summer transfer window under Michael Carrick and Kieran Scott.
After a complete overhaul of their first-team squad in 2023, Middlesbrough did not need to do as much business over the summer.
But nine new faces still arrived at the Riverside Stadium, with Carrick likely pleased to see every outfield position strengthened.
However, while the summer window was good in theory and does still have the potential to bear fruit, the Teessiders have not had a great start to the 2024/25 season.
Boro are 12th in the Championship table after losing 1-0 to Sunderland in the first Tees-Wear derby of the campaign this past weekend.
Several problems the Reds are facing this term were on full display against the Black Cats, including their inability to finish off chances.
But another issue, or rather a player, was ‘exposed’ versus Sunderland and may now force Carrick to dip into the transfer market come January.
- READ MORE: Rarely-used Middlesbrough talent now has perfect opportunity to finally impress Michael Carrick
Neto Borges was ‘exposed’ during Sunderland vs Middlesbrough
Very few players covered themselves in glory at the Stadium of Light but one man who certainly did not was Neto Borges.
The Brazilian spent 90 minutes being dominated by Patrick Roberts down the left-hand side, with Chris Rigg’s goal coming from the left.
After the tie, Teesside Live gave a rather negative review of the South American and his display.
They wrote: “Neto Borges – 5
“Left exposed against Roberts too often, the former Boro man had the beating of the Brazilian every time and was allowed to cut in far too easily for the Sunderland goal.”
Borges joined the club last month and is currently earning £20,000-a-week at Middlesbrough, making him the club’s third-highest earner behind Jonny Howson and Luke Ayling.
Neto Borges’ form has made Middlesbrough January transfer priority clear
After his shocking display over the weekend that saw Borges come in for heavy criticism, Boro’s next transfer priority has been made clear.
The former Ligue 1 ace was brought to the North East to help solve Middlesbrough’s left-back crisis.
Lukas Engel has been in dismal form this season, costing Boro plenty of goals, including four in one game versus Stoke City.
Alex Bangura, meanwhile, is once again sidelined with a long-term injury. As a result, Borges was expected to step up and perform on the left of the back four this season.
Now though, with Borges already looking well off the pace in the Championship, another left-back addition will be required in January.
Even if the ex-Clermont Foot 63 man was playing well, a new addition to replace Engel was needed but with Boro’s first-choice option also struggling, the need for defensive reinforcements has grown even more.