Middlesbrough will head into the summer, with decisions to make on the future of a number of individuals.
With contracts expiring, and loans coming to an end, there are plenty of players who will be uncertain as to where they will be, come the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
That in turn, leaves ‘Boro and manager Michael Carrick with some big calls to make over certain individuals.
It will be important that Middlesbrough get those decisions right, to ensure they have a strong enough squad to make progress on the pitch.
But despite that, it seems as though one player whose future already seems close to being decided, is Paddy McNair.
Expectation of a Paddy McNair exit
As things stand, McNair is due to be out of contract at The Riverside Stadium come the end of the season.
That comes after a campaign in which the Northern Irishman has played something of a bit part role in this Middlesbrough side.
Consequently, some strong predictions are already being made about what might be to come for the defender this summer.
Speaking recently, journalist Graeme Bailey suggested that McNair is ‘sure’ to leave Middlesbrough at the end of this season.
Such a situation would be an emotional one. The 28-year-old is one of the club’s longest serving players, having joined from Sunderland all the way back in 2018.
Beyond that though, it would also leave ‘Boro with a clear stance to take over the future of one man who has emerged as a key player for them this season.
Middlesbrough must keep Rav van den Berg
One player who joined Middlesbrough back in the summer transfer window was Rav van den Berg.
That move came amid interest from a number of top European clubs in the 19-year-old. But having decided to move to ‘Boro, van den Berg has stood out for Carrick’s side this season.
As a result, it seems inevitable there will be yet more attention in the centre back once the transfer window opens again.
However, if McNair is to leave The Riverside Stadium this summer, it seems Middlesbrough will surely not be able to afford to let van den Berg go as well.
Seeing both individuals depart would leave ‘Boro lacking some considerable depth in the centre of their defence, with limited options remaining in that position.
One of those, Darragh Lenihan, would also be coming back from a long-term injury. That is particularly concering for the club, given Carrick has recently switched to a system that employs three centre backs.
Keeping van den Berg in the wake of McNair’s anticipated departure, would help to ensure that Middlesbrough can retain the numbers they need to operate with that formation if required.
With so long remaining on his contract, it would also make little sense to let the 19-year-old go when he has become so important to the club so quickly.
As a result, while McNair’s exit may now look likely, it seems vital that the club must now take a firm stance to ensure that a similar situation does not develop with van den Berg this summer.
Any interest in the 19-year-old will surely therefore, have to be met with a firm ‘no’ from Middlesbrough.