Middlesbrough’s summer transfer business could force three players out of the door in January.
Boro had, in most fan’s eyes anyway, a superb 2024 summer transfer window.
Michael Carrick was able to add eight new players to his first-team squad, while Harley Hunt has linked up with the club’s academy.
Middlesbrough have strengthened all across the pitch, with a new goalkeeper the only area not addressed over the summer.
However, after so many new faces arrived at the Riverside Stadium, the Teessiders do have a slightly inflated squad, especially in certain positions.
In turn, a few current players may be forced to look for a move in the January transfer window and Boro News have picked out three stars who could leave early in 2025.
Marcus Forss could leave Middlesbrough in January
Marcus Forss joined Middlesbrough from Brentford in 2022 and is currently valued at £2.8m by Transfermarkt.
The Finn was previously a key figure for the Reds and provided healthy competition for Isaiah Jones on the right wing as well as being another option up front.
However, Forss suffered two long-term injuries in 2023/24 and has missed the start of the current Championship campaign.
Now, after Ben Doak and Micah Hamilton were signed from Liverpool and Manchester City last month, there is very little space in the squad for Forss when he returns.
The young duo are both natural right-wingers and will greatly limit the number of minutes Forss gets when he returns.
As a result, the 25-year-old may look to leave Middlesbrough in January to secure more first-team football.
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Tom Glover should want a Middlesbrough exit
Tom Glover was Boro’s second-choice goalkeeper in the previous season behind Seny Dieng.
While Dieng remains the number one, Glover has been reduced to third-choice in 2024/25.
Academy product Sol Brynn returned to the club over the summer after a successful loan spell with Leyton Orient and has now become Carrick’s backup keeper, starting both their League Cup fixtures this season.
In turn, with Glover needing to play in order to keep his place for Australia, he should be looking to depart Middlesbrough in the next transfer window.
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Alex Gilbert needs a loan move in January
Alex Gilbert only made 12 Championship appearances in 2023/24, leading to a belief he would be moved on this summer.
However, Middlesbrough changed their stance on Gilbert leaving right at the end of the window, which probably had something to do with his starring display in the defeat to Stoke City.
But while fans are probably glad he stayed put, the 22-year-old still needs to play more if he is to reach his full potential.
And, unfortunately, he will not get the opportunity to do so ahead of Finn Azaz this season.