The 2024 summer transfer window has officially shut but Michael Carrick can still improve Middlesbrough this month.
Kieran Scott and Michael Carrick should be given immense credit for the work they completed during the most recent transfer window.
Middlesbrough failed to secure a play-off place in the previous campaign but their nine arrivals over the summer have given them a great chance of ending 2024/25 in the top six.
Every single outfield position has been strengthened at the Riverside over the last couple of months.
Luke Ayling is Boro’s number one right-back, George Edmundson will provide cover in the centre of defence and Neto Borges has come in for the injured Alex Bangura at left-back.
Further forward, Aidan Morris is impressing for Middlesbrough in midfield, while there have been a plethora of new additions up front.
Delano Burgzorg, Micah Hamilton, Tommy Conway and Ben Doak will add plenty of creativity and goals to Carrick’s attack.
However, as free agents are still available to be signed, Boro would be wise to potentially pick up a couple of new names to further strengthen their already healthy squad, and we have picked out three names they should target.
Brandon Williams can add cover at left-back for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have signed Borges to provide some much-needed cover at left-back but Boro fans probably agree a further addition would make sense.
The Brazilian was thrown straight into the team against Cardiff City on Saturday, with Lukas Engel dropping out.
However, Engel is likely to be used a fair bit during the hectic Championship schedule and he has already proven this campaign that he is not good enough to play for Middlesbrough.
As a result, Carrick should look to sign former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams on a free.
Williams featured 51 times for the Red Devils’ senior team and spent 2023/24 on loan with Ipswich Town.
Cheikhou Kouyate and Stuart Armstrong will add depth for Middlesbrough in midfield
Outside of left-back, the weakest area of Boro’s team right now is probably midfield.
Jonny Howson is likely in the final year of his playing career and is out with a hamstring problem.
The Boro captain is expected to see his game time reduced in 2024/25 due to his age and injury issue.
This leaves Hayden Hackney, Morris and Dan Barlaser as the only three senior central midfielders at the club.
Youngster Law McCabe can provide cover when required but Middlesbrough should sign Cheikhou Kouyate and Stuart Armstrong to add more experience to their midfield.
Kouyate is an excellent defensive option, while Armstrong offers a lot more going forward, having scored five and assisted seven in the Championship for Southampton in 2023/24.