After an early flurry of transfer activity, it may be some time before Middlesbrough make another signing this summer.
Middlesbrough kicked off the 2024 summer transfer window with an early flurry of activity.
Before the window had officially opened, Luke Ayling was brought back to the Riverside on a permanent basis after excelling on loan last season.
Mainz 05 forward Delano Burgzorg followed through the door shortly after, also signing permanently on the back of a decent 2023/24 on loan at Huddersfield Town.
Boro then signed central midfielder Aidan Morris from the MLS and secured the services of 16-year-old Harley Hunt.
Hunt is not expected to see too much senior action in the coming campaign but the other three signings should all prove quality additions.
The Teessiders are not expected to stop at four signings this summer, though.
A new striker is said to remain a priority for Michael Carrick, while the club were thought to have made a bid for Ryan Giles recently.
Middlesbrough to pause recruitment drive
After the aforementioned claims of Boro bidding for Giles, Hull City’s owner revealed the club’s stance on selling the left-back to Boro.
Acun Ilicali’s comments and reports of a bid suggested that a deal for the 24-year-old could have been close.
However, a fresh update on Middlesbrough’s transfer plans from Teesside Live hints that this is not the case.
They report that Boro will have a slight pause in their recruitment to take stock and assess their current options before making another move.
It is added that Middlesbrough want to give their players a chance to showcase themselves in the early weeks of pre-season before assessing their options and outlining their next priority.
Boro’s first pre-season game does not take place until July 20th, meaning there will likely be at least nine days until the club decide what area they want to strengthen next.
What area should Middlesbrough improve next
If the 2024/25 Championship season started tomorrow, Carrick would have a decent enough squad to compete for a play-off place.
However, while the squad is in better shape than this time last year, there are a couple of areas that could still be improved.
A better backup for top goalscorer Emmanuel Latte Lath is something Middlesbrough should look into.
There are also question marks over the left-wing spot following the departures of Sammy Silvera and Sam Greenwood.
And while not a major issue, Boro may need some more quality depth in central midfield, especially if Dan Barlaser leaves in the summer.