Middlesbrough have made six signings this summer but further reinforcements are needed for Michael Carrick.
There are now just over five days left for Middlesbrough to bring in any new signings before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm BST on August 30th.
Michael Carrick has been backed heavily this summer by owner Steve Gibson, with big money spent on the likes of Tommy Conway and Micah Hamilton.
However, further reinforcements are still required at the Riverside if Boro are to have a proper shot at promotion in 2024/25.
A new left-back is a must, while a centre-back may also be required given the injury crisis the Teessiders have right now.
With that said, here are three last-minute signings Middlesbrough should make for Carrick.
Three last-minute transfers Middlesbrough should make
Ryan Giles
Left-back is the main area Boro have to address in the final week of the transfer window.
Neto Borges was linked to Boro over the weekend and a potential transfer could still be on the cards.
However, Carrick would be better served getting in a defender who has experience both in England and working at the Riverside.
Ryan Giles continues to be linked with Middlesbrough this month and while a deal does not appear too close, Gibson should fund a move for the left-back after he assisted 11 in 45 league matches during a loan spell at the club two seasons ago.
Paul Dummett
Another option Middlesbrough should look to bring in this month is Paul Dummett.
The 32-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Newcastle United over the summer.
His best days may now be behind him but Dummett, who Eddie Howe called ‘outstanding’ last year as per the Northern Echo, could still do a job in the Championship.
Dummet is a versatile defender who would provide some much-needed cover at both centre-back and left-back – Boro’s two weakest positions right now in terms of available players.
Stuart Armstrong
After the signing of Aidan Morris and Dan Barlaser not moving to Turkey, Boro started the campaign well-stocked in the centre of the pitch.
However, Jonny Howson, who is 36 years of age, is now out with a hamstring problem and was filling in at centre-back before his injury.
Should Middlesbrough’s injury issues persit, which seems likely given Carrick’s track record, another midfielder may need to be brought in as cover for Morris, Hayden Hackney and Barlaser.
One player who would be a great and very cheap addition is Stuart Armstrong. The 32-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Southampton in July.
Despite being released, however, Armstrong was a key figure at St Mary’s in their promotion-winning campaign, scoring five and assisting seven in 42 Championship matches.