Middlesbrough have entered the race to sign one of the most exciting players in Sweden.
After an eighth place Championship finish in the 2023/24 season, the aim for next season surely has to be the play-offs at minimum for Middlesbrough.
Manager Michael Carrick will need some signings this summer to help achieve that goal, but could lose two key players in Hayden Hackney and Seny Dieng; both of whom are the subject of Premier League interest.
Luke Ayling has already become Boro’s first summer addition, having joined permanently upon the expiration of his Leeds United contract after impressing whilst on loan last season.
Now the club have turned their attention elsewhere, with reports of interest in a player courted by a number of clubs both in England and abroad.
Middlesbrough linked with move for Michael Baidoo
It is no secret that following confirmation of Ayling’s future Boro’s priority is to sign a midfielder.
Now it seems that they have identified a potential signing who plays primarily as an attacking midfield player in Michael Baidoo.
The 25-year-old Ghanaian plays for Swedish club Elfsborg and a report from Swedish media outlet Fotball Direct has identified Boro as one of a number of clubs who are keeping tabs on the number ten.
According to the report, Baidoo is one of the ‘hottest names’ in Swedish football and is being monitored by Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City, Leicester City and Luton Town in England, as well as Ferencvaros, Maccabi Haifa, NEC Nijmegen and Ludgorets abroad.
Elfsborg are expected to sell this summer if a suitable bid is received, with Fotball Direct reporting a fee of around £2.6-£3.4 million likely to be enough.
Who is Middlesborough target Michael Baidoo?
It is no surprise to see Boro and a number of other English clubs looking to Sweden given the hotbed of talent combined with value for money on offer.
Tottenham Hotspur have already benefitted from this, with Djurgarden’s Lucas Bergvall set to join upon the opening of the transfer window this summer; Spurs paying £8.5 million for the 18-year-old.
Baidoo is a former Ghana under-20 international who has spent his entire senior career in Scandinavia, having played in Norway, Denmark and now Sweden.
This season, according to Transfermarkt, the midfielder has played 12 league games so far, scoring four and assisting three with the Swedish season still running.
Baidoo’s goal threat could be a real asset for Carrick’s side, with his 18 goals and 12 assists in 69 Elfsborg games demonstrating his creativity.
Speaking on the player in February, Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin was full of praise for Baidoo, as he said: “Michael has made significant strides in his development since joining us, and his contributions across various midfield roles have been invaluable.
“His growth as a leader, ability to energize his teammates, and willingness to take on responsibilities on the pitch have been particularly noteworthy.”
With so many teams interested, Boro may have to act decisively to secure Baidoo’s services, but he could be a real difference maker in the bid for promotion.