The summer transfer window has slammed shut, but there is still time for intense speculation about the future of players who have been released or left on the shelf. Boro could be wise to cast an eye over some of these free agents in the weeks ahead.
Here are some options that are available, should Middlesbrough want to explore the possibility of adding to their ranks in areas that they have failed to strengthen already.
Roberto Pereyra-CM
A player whose ability will probably command attention from those higher up the footballing food chain. But he is a free-agent, so why not try your luck. After all, Middlesbrough are the club that tempted Gaizka Mendieta to The Riverside just two years after his services commanded a whopping £29 million fee from Lazio. He spent a season on loan at Barcelona before moving to Boro.
Roberto Pereyra was released by Udinese-the club who has purchased Martin Payero-after three years with the club. He was named in the Serie A team of the year in 2016 and from there moved to Watford where he spent four years. Speculation has been rife since the Argentinian was released this summer, with a host of Turkish clubs showing interest.
Ryan Nyambe-RB
Plenty of Middlesbrough fans have spoken about this right-back before, largely due to decent performances against the Boro. The Namibian can play right-back or right wing-back. Crossing is a big feature of his game as is his athleticism, but was used more as a centre-back whilst with Wigan.
Having seen him play at Blackburn, it is quite baffling why that move was made, but it is widely acknowledged that he is a very competent right-back. Whether he is better than what Boro currently have is debatable, and that is what Boro boss Carrick has to address every time he takes a player to The Riverside, but at 25, he still has time on his side, and a Carrick-shaped arm around him could see him rediscover that Blackburn form.
Josh Onomah-CM
Josh Onomah represented England from U-16 right through to U-21 level. The central midfielder has played for Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Fulham and Preston. Onomah helped secure promotion for Fulham as recently as the 2021/22 season under Marco Silva.
He left Fulham in January 2023 on a free transfer to Preston where he made 13 appearances before being released. Josh is still only 26, and would surely be a useful acquisition with Championship experience. He also knows what it takes achieve promotion.
He could be a free hit as far as taking a gamble if taken on a short term contract. Boro are a little better equipped in the middle of the park having drafted in O’Brien. It could make this one a little less likely.
Reggie Cannon-RB
Right-back is a position that is often talked about by Boro fans. Strategically, the right-back berth is imperative, because it is pivotal to how the team operates as a unit. Up until this point, the left-back has played high up the pitch, meaning that the player at right-back has had to be disciplined and shuffle across, almost into a third centre-back role to balance out the side.
Boro are currently stuck between the attacking offering of Anfernee Dijksteel or the solid but unspectacular (and ocassionally ill-disciplined) Tommy Smith. Recently they have had neither and have had to rely on square pegs in round holes. Reggie Cannon is a US international, a tough tackler who has an eye for a goal.
As well as amassing 75 games for FC Dallas, he also played in the Liga Portugal for Boavista, making 89 appearances. He was released by the Portuguese club this summer amidst claims of unpaid wages. Boro would face stiff competition for the 25-year-old’s signature should they be interested.
Matty Longstaff-CM
The ex-Newcastle midfielder burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old Premier League debutant, scoring the winner against Man Utd at St James’ Park. Who was watching on as part of the coaching staff in the Manchester United dugout that day? You have guessed it, Michael Carrick.
It has been quite the fall from grace since making 14 Premier League appearances though, culminating in his release this summer.
His brother Sean still plays for Newcastle and will no doubt be sad to see his sibling leave the Magpies. With Boro’s new recruitment model now established, Longstaff-although would probably not be considered for this campaign-could be a worthy addition to the club long-term, given that he is only 23.
Taking on young, hungry players with plenty to prove for a small fee has become the go-to approach for Middlesbrough in recent years, and he definitely falls into that category. If Longstaff can get that drive and hunger back, it could be a deal that suits all parties. He could be one of the most sensible free agents for Boro to consider.