Proven, top-tier Championship talent. That appears to be the order of the day at Riverside as Middlesbrough look to force their way into the play-off picture.
In Chris Wilder, Boro have arguably the finest tactician in the EFL. A man with no less than five promotions on his CV. Could he make it a sixth over the next 11 months? With Middlesbrough backing Wilder to the hilt during what should be a busy summer of incomings and outgoings, don’t be surprised if the North East outfit go at least one better than last term’s sixth-place finish.
In Darragh Lenihan, Boro have already snapped up one of the best centre-halves in the Championship after the former Blackburn Rovers skipper left Ewood Park for free. Lenihan’s size, strength and passing range means the Ireland international looks perfectly suited to life as one of Wilder’s three centre-halves.
Lenihan’s arrival fills a void created by Sol Bamba’s departure.
Ben Davies, meanwhile, would provide a much-needed left-footed option at the back. According to the Liverpool Echo, Boro are keen to land the Liverpool misfit, two years after Wilder tried and failed to bring him to Sheffield United. A back three of Dael Fry, Lenihan and Davies would, on paper at least, rank among the very best in the division.
A case for the defence at Middlesbrough
Ryan Giles, a loan signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers, also feels tailor-made for Wilder-ball. The 22-year-old delivers like Postman Pat after a litre of Red Bull, providing ten assists during spells at Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City in 2021/22. Giles, who is far better suited to a wing-back role than the departing Neil Taylor, should slot in effortlessly on the left-hand side of Wilder’s 3-5-2 formation.
In Giles and Isaiah Jones, who looks set to stay put following an outstanding breakthrough campaign, Middlesbrough can boast two of the finest crossers of a ball anywhere in the Football League. Matt Crooks, in particular, can only benefit from such stellar service.
Jones, in particular, was so impressive last term that few on the banks of The Tees were questioning the decision to send Djed Spence out on loan to Nottingham Forest. Spence is in talks with Tottenham Hotspur, per The Sun, and could earn Boro around £15 million.
A £15 million windfall
Wilder has promised ‘big name’ signings with a real wow-factor, and Spence’s impending switch to the Premier League should free up funds for – with all due respect to the incoming David McGoldrick – a couple of genuinely high-profile arrivals.
Take Karl Darlow, for instance.
The Newcastle United benchwarmer knows the Championship – and the North East – like the back of his hand. Per The Athletic, Leicester City’s Daniel Iversen is another goalkeeping target. And both would represent substantial upgrades on the unconvincing Joe Lumley. 27-year-old Liam Roberts, Northampton Town’s 2021/22 Player of the Season, is expected to play back-up to a more proven second-tier operator between the sticks.
Additions are also required at the other end of the pitch. Especially after Wilder decided against triggering the £7.5 million option-to-buy clause in Andraz Sporar’s contract (Northern Echo). Dwight Gayle, Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer, three players on Boro’s wishlist, would be welcomed with open arms.
Gayle’s wage demands could pose a problem, however, with Archer a more affordable acquisition. The Aston Villa youngster made a huge impact during a previous loan stint at Preston North End.
Hamza Choudhury is another top-flight player who could be available on a short-term deal. The Echo claims that Middlesbrough have held talks with Leicester City. The England U21 international is raw, rough around the edges, but would bring fierce competitiveness and ball-winning prowess.
Boro have also been linked with the likes of John-Paul Boetius, Scott Twine, Ross Stewart and Harry Toffolo. But, as things stand, all four seem unlikely to arrive.
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