Now the 2024 summer transfer window is in full swing, Middlesbrough should be on the lookout for defensive reinforcements.
The summer transfer window has been open for less than a week but Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough have already been working hard to freshen up their squad as they gear up for a promotion push in the forthcoming campaign.
Mainz 05 forward Delano Burgzorg, who was plying his trade with Huddersfield Town last term, has joined Boro on a permanent basis.
The forward can operate through the middle or on either flank and is expected to prove a useful utility player for the forthcoming campaign.
And while the deal is not done yet, Aidan Morris is close to completing a transfer to Teesside from MLS outfit Columbus Crew for a fee of around £3.14m.
Elsewhere, Luke Ayling has completed a permanent move to Boro after he impressed on loan from Leeds United this past season – providing eight assists in 19 games.
On the outings front, meanwhile, Anfernee Dijksteel’s time at the Riverside is potentially coming to an end this summer with Boro having made the player available for transfer.
Middlesbrough’s ageing right-backs will need to be replaced
The Dutchman made 20 Championship appearances last term but has not completed 90 minutes of league football since December 23, 2023.
In turn, the 27-year-old’s sale does make sense, with Luke Ayling expected to be Michael Carrick’s starting right-back come August and Tommy Smith set to deputise.
However, while Ayling should prove a decent option for Boro in 2024/25, especially if he can carry on the form he found at the end of last season, the North East outfit need to start planning for the long-term when it comes to the right-back spot.
Smith and Ayling are both 32 years of age, with the former out of contract in just over 12 months and Ayling set to be 34 when his deal runs out in 2026.
With this in mind, Boro News have taken a look at three right-backs Middlesbrough should be targeting to replace Ayling and Smith in the coming year.
Matisse Samoise
Since taking over at the Riverside, Carrick has put a clear emphasis on his full-backs pushing high up the pitch and providing a creative outlet.
We saw this last season with Ayling’s eight assists and the campaign prior with Ryan Giles basically playing as a left-winger during his loan spell at the club.
As a result, whoever comes in to replace Boro’s current right-back options will need an attacking mindset.
Gent’s Matisse Samoise certainly has that, having scored seven and assisted three in all competitions while operating as a right-wing-back in a back-three/five last term.
Moreover, Samoise is only 22 so he still has plenty of time to develop further. He is also incredibly quick and only has 12 months left on his current contract, meaning his market value will likely be lower this summer.
Ben Johnson
Next up is West Ham defender Ben Johnson, who is set to be a free agent come the end of June.
Johnson would offer Carrick versatility across the back line, able to operate at right-back, left-back and even at centre-back.
The 24-year-old has struggled to nail down a starting berth for the Hammers but still has plenty of experience at the highest level, which would prove invaluable to Boro.
He has 69 Premier League outings under his belt, as well as 12 appearances in the Europa League.
Reuell Walters
Reuell Walters is currently on the books of Premier League giants Arsenal but will leave the club at the end of June after turning down a new deal with the Gunners.
The 19-year-old has no senior experience to his name, so the signing could be a slight risk for Boro.
However, as Middlesbrough do not need a regular first-team option right now, snapping up the Englishman on a free could be worth the risk.
Walters has earned caps at U18, U19 and U20 level for England and was named as one of ‘three big prospects’ at Arsenal by Mikel Arteta last month.