Middlesbrough could make another summer signing before the close of the transfer window this week.
Middlesbrough have made seven signings in the 2024 summer transfer window so far.
Michael Carrick has managed to address every outfield position in his squad with the seven new additions at the Riverside.
Luke Ayling will provide cover at right-back, Aidan Morris has strengthened the midfield, Delano Burgzorg and Micah Hamilton will improve the flanks, Harley Hunt is a promising centre-back and Tommy Conway is an excellent centre-forward signing.
Most recently, Middlesbrough signed Neto Borges for £1.3m from Clermont Foot 63 on August 27th.
After Lukas Engle’s shambolic display vs Stoke City in the second round of the League Cup, the Brazilian getting up to speed in the North East cannot come soon enough.
Middlesbrough play Cardiff City this weekend and Boro fans are no doubt desperate to see Borges start ahead of Engel.
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Middlesbrough may sign player after Neto Borges
As well as their left-back spot causing problems in the last two games, injury issues have greatly weakened the centre of Boro’s defence.
Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan are yet to play a competitive game this season as they continue to recover from injuries.
Rav van den Berg picked up a knock against Derby County and makeshift centre-back Jonny Howson was injured against Leeds United.
In turn, Matt Clarke is the only fit senior centre-back option at the club, with 17-year-old Hunt and right-back Ayling forced to fill in for the aforementioned trio.
Now though, Dominic Shaw has reported on X/Twitter that Boro are now monitoring their centre-back situation after the arrival of Borges.
He wrote: “Could well be final summer signing, though Boro are monitoring CB situation”
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Which centre-back will Middlesbrough sign
If Boro are to make a late move for centre-back, it will likely not be a top-quality player with a long future at the club.
Middlesbrough’s scouting has improved a great deal since Kieran Scott became Head of Football but most teams are now unlikely to want to sell their top stars with so little time left to replace them.
In turn, Boro may wish to turn to the free-agent market to sign an experienced defender who can provide some much-needed cover for six-12 months.
Paul Dummett could be an option for Middlesbrough after he was released by Newcastle United earlier this summer.
The 32-year-old is a versatile defender who can also play at left-back – another problem area for the Reds.