Middlesbrough are set to complete their third signing of the 2024 summer transfer window next week.
Michael Carrick is gearing up for a third season at the Riverside Stadium following 4th and 8th place finishes in the previous two Championship campaigns.
As Carrick aims to secure a return to the Premier League at the third time of asking, Middlesbrough have already been active on the transfer front this month.
Luke Ayling was the Teesside outfit’s first signing of the summer, making a permanent switch to Middlesbrough after impressing on loan from Leeds United last term.
With the right-back area strengthened, Carrick turned his attention toward Boro’s attack.
Versatile striker Delano Burgzorg signed for the club from German outfit Mainz 05 and will bring some Championship experience to Boro after his loan spell with Huddersfield Town last term.
Middlesbrough do not look set to stop there, however, with a third summer signing expected to link up with the North East outfit next week.
Middlesbrough expected to complete Aidan Morris transfer next week
As Boro News covered last week, Middlesbrough have agreed a deal with MLS outfit Columbus Crew for the transfer of midfielder, Aidan Morris.
But with the MLS season still ongoing, the 22-year-old has been continuing to play for his current side ahead of a permanent Middlesbrough move.
Morris was in action for Columbus Crew on June 20, providing an assist as his side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Inter Miami.
Now, however, Morris finally looks set to leave America and complete his Boro transfer.
The Athletic journalist Tom Bogert reported on Thursday evening that Morris is expected to play his final game for Columbus Crew this weekend before moving to Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough will pay the MLS side $4m (£3.16m) to bring Morris to the Riverside.
Will Aidan Morris be a good signing for Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s transfer hit rate over the years has been questionable, but things are starting to look up under Sporting Director, Kieran Scott.
Morris has no experience in Europe, having spent his entire senior career with Columbus Crew.
However, given Middlesbrough are not the richest club in the world, signing lesser-known stars is what the club will have to do in their bid to secure promotion.
Morris is expected to prove a versatile option for Carrick as he can operate in the holding role, as a conventional central midfielder, or as a more attacking option.
This may be especially useful in the forthcoming campaign as midfielders such as Hayden Hackney and Dan Barlaser could depart the Riverside in the coming months.
Morris has played 14 games for Columbus Crew in the 2024 MLS season so far, providing two goals and two assists, operating as a box-to-box option in a 3-4-3 system.