Middlesbrough’s latest 2024 summer signing is already showcasing what he can bring to Michael Carrick’s side in the forthcoming season.
Middlesbrough’s quest for promotion back to the Premier League continues in August under the guidance of Michael Carrick.
Boro have been plying their trade in the Championship since 2017 after their latest relegation from the top flight.
So far, Carrick has guided the North East outfit to 4th and 8th place finishes in England’s second tier.
In a bid to win promotion in 2024/25, the Teessiders have already been active on the transfer front less than a week after it officially opened.
After an impressive loan spell from Leeds United in the second half of 2023/24, Luke Ayling has made a permanent switch to Middlesbrough.
Boro have also strengthened their forward line with versatile striker Delano Burgzorg signing for the club from German outfit, Mainz 05.
Aidan Morris shows Michael Carrick what he’ll bring to Middlesbrough
Another player set to make his way to the Riverside Stadium in the current window is Columbus Crew midfielder Aidan Morris.
The Athletic reported earlier this month that Boro have agreed to sign the 22-year-old for a fee in the region of £3.14m.
However, Morris has not linked up with Middlesbrough just yet and is still currently playing for Columbus Crew in the ongoing 2024 MLS season.
Columbus Crew were in action in the early hours on Thursday morning, facing off with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
They lost the game 2-1 but Aidam Morris provided a superb assist for Cucho Hernandez in the 40 minute:
How will Aidan Morris be used by Middlesbrough
Morris’ quality was on full display versus Inter Miami but it remains to be seen how the American will be used by Michael Carrick.
Morris is an all-rounder who can operate in the holding role, as a conventional central midfielder, or as a more attacking option in the number 10 spot.
At present, Finn Azaz looks set to continue occupying the number 10 role in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 formation after providing four goals and five assists in 20 outings last term.
As a result, Morris’ qualities are likely to be utilised in a deeper role when he links up with Boro in the coming months.
Hayden Hackney, who impressed across 2023/24, could be set to leave the Riverside this summer amid Premier League interest.
Turkish side Trabzonspor have also recently made a bid for Boro midfielder, Dan Barlaser.
In turn, Carrick will likely look to Morris to fill the void left in the deeper midfield roles, rather than pushing him further up the pitch.