Middlesbrough’s stance on signing another central midfielder this summer after the arrival of Aidan Morris has been revealed.
Middlesbrough have strengthened their midfield ranks already this summer with the signing of Aidan Morris.
The 22-year-old arrives from MLS outfit Columbus Crew and was in the middle of a superb campaign for the American outfit, providing two assists in his last two games.
Morris seems to be embedding into Michael Carrick’s squad well and has already sent a message to Middlesbrough fans.
The midfielder has also explained the key role Carrick played in his transfer to Teesside.
While Morris is expected to prove a solid addition to Boro’s ranks in the forthcoming season, there have been question marks over the rest of the North East outfit’s midfield.
Jonny Howson is now 36 years of age and is unlikely to be able to complete a full 46-game campaign.
Riley McGree also has less than 12 months left on his current contract, while both Hayden Hackney and Dan Barlaser are throughout to have attracted transfer interest over the last few months.
Middlesbrough unlikely to sign midfielder unless Barlaser sold
Last month there were reports that European side Trabzonspor had submitted a bid to sign Barlaser from Boro.
Further reports then suggested that the midfielder was edging towards an exit from the Riverside in the current window.
However, Barlaser’s situation at Middlesbrough was clarified late last month, with no bid believed to have been made by Trabzonspor.
Barlaser’s transfer situation at Boro is likely to play a key role in the club’s stance on signing another midfielder this summer.
Speaking on the You Are My Boro YouTube channel, the Northern Echo’s Dominic Shaw clarified Middlesbrough’s stance on signing another midfielder.
He said: “Unless Barlaser goes, if there’s a bid for Barlaser, then there’s a decision to be made there.
“Unless he goes I can’t see their being any more movement in midfield, anymore incomings. That [midfield] looks strong to me now I think.”
Middlesbrough midfield stance is a big risk
Middlesbrough’s decision not to sign another midfielder in the current window could come back to bite the club in their hunt for promotion.
While the Championship outfit do have plenty of bodies in midfield right now, a case could be made that the quality is not there.
Hackney and are Howson are Carrick’s best options currently and will likely start the campaign if both are fit.
However, outside of that duo, Boro’s options are not great. Morris could prove to be a top signing, but will likely take time to adapt to English football.
Elsewhere, while Barlaser is a decent squad player, he is not somebody Middlesbrough should be starting on a regular basis if they want to be in the promotion race.
Academy prospect Law McCabe is another midfield option. But with just four senior appearances to his name, there is a risk he will underperform if forced into the team due to injuries.