Michael Carrick has provided an insight into the future of Josh Coburn at Middlesbrough.
Josh Coburn joined Middlesbrough from local rivals Sunderland in 2018, linking up with the club’s U16 side.
The striker made his debut for Boro’s U18 side during the 2018/19 season, before signing on as a scholar the following campaign.
Coburn then signed his first professional deal in January 2021 before being called up to the first team by Neil Warnock at the back end of 2020/21.
The now 21-year-old made his first senior appearance for Teessiders in a 2-1 win at Rotherham United and scored his first goal three days later in a 3-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
All told, Coburn has notched 52 senior appearances for the Riverside outfit, including 21 last term.
However, the forward’s campaign was marred by injury and his form was impacted, scoring just five league goals.
Michael Carrick makes Josh Coburn transfer stance clear
Coburn was used a backup to centre-forward Emmanuel Latte Lath in the 2023/24 season.
The Ivorian scored 16 league goals, including 11 in his last 12 league appearances.
As a result, he will continue in his role as Boro’s main number nine going into the 2024/25 Championship season.
However, Middlesbrough want to sign another striker this summer and Boro have bid for Tommy Conway.
This has led to speculation over the future of Coburn but recent comments from Carrick suggest the Englishman will be staying put in 2024/25, as per Teesside Live.
He said: “Josh missed a lot of last season. He had a really good spell for us last season, but then picked up the injury and tried to battle through.
“He tried to get through for a little bit, but in the end, it just proved too much.
“It’s important we keep him fit now. It’s a big age for his development, so staying fit is important. We want to get him into a good rhythm of training and playing games.”
Should Middlesbrough sell Josh Coburn
Carrick’s comments suggest that he wants to keep Coburn at Middlesbrough for the forthcoming campaign.
However, that may not be the best decision for the club or the player right now.
If Boro do bring in another centre-forward, which is looking likely at this stage, Coburn’s minutes will be even more limited than they were in 2023/24.
Whoever is signed, whether it be Conway or someone else, will expect to feature on a regular basis.
Carrick cannot drop Latte Lath either after he scored 16 goals in one season for a club who have previously struggled to sign quality strikers.
As a result, Coburn will be the third-choice centre-forward for the North East outfit next term.
The Englishman still has potential to improve as a player but right now, a loan or permanent transfer is probably best for his development.
An injury to Latte Lath would open the door for Coburn to feature more regularly, but Boro fans are no doubt hoping that will not happen given how good the former Atalanta BC man was in his debut season.