Middlesbrough missed out on a number of transfer targets over the summer, one of which has had a particularly rough start to the campaign.
After the close of the 2024 summer transfer window, Middlesbrough are likely pleased with the business they conducted.
Boro did well to keep hold of all their key players from the 2023/24 season and Michael Carrick was able to strengthen every outfield position.
However, while Steve Gibson should be thanked by Boro for his heavy backing of the club, the Teessiders still missed out on a few signings in the last several months.
Middlesbrough were interested in Tom Cannon but the Leicester City forward has instead joined Stoke City on loan.
Earlier in the window, reports from Turkey saw Boro linked with Yusuf Sertkaya, but that moved struggled to pick up any traction.
Elsewhere, the man most heavily tipped for a return to the Riverside this summer was Ryan Giles.
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Ryan Giles opens up on early season struggles with Hull City
Middlesbrough were linked with Giles for much of the summer, with Carrick seemingly keen to reunite with the full-back after he assisted 11 during a loan spell in 2022/23.
However, Hull City did not allow the left-back to depart Yorkshire and he has since begun the 2024/25 season with the Tigers.
It has been a rough start to the campaign for Giles and co., however, with Hull struggling for wins and goals.
Now, as per Hull Live, Giles has expressed his frustration at Hull’s slow start and the challenges they are facing adapting to a new style of play.
He said: “The style of play has been different, there’s no hiding from that.
“It has taken time to adapt to and even the new players coming in now, I know it will be challenging for them.
“We are always learning on the job.”
Middlesbrough can still sign Ryan Giles
Giles was one of Boro’s best performers during the 2022/23 season when they finished fourth in the Championship.
The Englishman suited Carrick’s system perfectly and though the North East outfit failed to sign him this summer, their is still room for the full-back in Boro’s ranks.
Neto Borges signed for Middlesbrough last month and has been solid in his opening few games for the club.
However, outside of the Brazilian, Carrick has very little quality cover at left-back.
Lukas Engel has been criticised for his dismal start to the 2024/25 campaign, while Alex Bangura is once again out of action with a long-term injury.
As a result, Middlesbrough could and perhaps should look to reignite their interest in Giles come the January transfer window.