Middlesbrough had something of a busy transfer window last year when it came to player exits.
In total, no fewer than nine senior players left Michael Carrick‘s first-team squad in that period.
It is also likely that there will be departure from the squad, when the window reopens again at the end of this season.
While some of those exits may well be expected, there is also a chance there will be some surprise departures from Middlesbrough this summer.
Here, we’ve taken a look at three players who are not obvious candidates to leave the club this summer, but may do so regardless.
Dan Barlaser has struggled recently
Carrick does seem to be a fan of Barlaser, having described the midfielder as ‘fantastic’ earlier this year.
However, things have not always worked out for the 27-year-old in recent weeks. He has not been up to his best with some of his performances, leading to criticism from some of the fanbase.
That has also seen him drop to the bench recently for throughout Middlesbrough’s four-game unbeaten run. As a result, there may be some suggestions that he is sliding down the pecking order, and that the club may have more solid options to turn to. With that in mind, they could arguably look to move Barlaser on in the summer, despite the fact he has two remaining on his contract.
Riley McGree tipped to leave Middlesbrough
Speaking recently to boro.news, journalist Graeme Bailey did claim there could be some exits that ‘surprise’ fans this summer.
One player he named who may fall into that category is Riley McGree, with Bailey noting that he may not fully fit into what Carrick wants to do with this Middlesbrough side.
If that is a setiment that is shared within the Riverside Stadium, it would perhaps make sense for the club to let him go. That could then help make space in the squad and budget for someone who does fit in better with those plans.
Isaiah Jones is an appealing target
It has been a frustrating time of late for Isaiah Jones, who has recently endured an extended spell out due to injury.
When he is fit though, he can be a major attacking threat. That has made him a key player for Middlesbrough over recent years. At 24 years old meanwhile, he also still has plenty of time to develop and improve even further.
That could well make him a target other clubs want to pursue. Indeed, he has been linked with a move elsewhere in the past. Now, given he is set to enter the final year of his contract at The Riverside in the summer, it may be a good time for rival teams to renew their interest in the ‘Boro man.