Middlesbrough have missed out on signing one of the players they were monitoring this summer to a Championship rival.
Middlesbrough have been smart in the business they have done so far this summer, getting three names through the door early.
Boro’s 2023/24 Championship campaign was hampered by a massive overhaul of Michael Carrick’s squad, leading to a slow start.
The Teessiders failed to win their opening five league games of the season, a run which ultimately cost them a spot in the top six – missing out by just four points.
The North East outfit are hoping to avoid a similar situation in 2024/25 by getting the majority of their business done early.
Luke Ayling and Delano Burgzorg have already completed moves to the Riverside, while Aidan Morris’ transfer to the club is expected to be confirmed shortly.
However, one of the club’s summer transfer targets will not be heading to Boro, having joined an EFL rival this week.
Middlesbrough target Ryan Giles joins Hull City
The player in question is left-back Ryan Giles, who spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Middlesbrough from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Giles shone during his time in the North East, providing 11 assists from left-back as Boro finished fourth in the division.
The player also earned high praise from manager Carrick during his time at the club, with the former midfielder labeling him ‘terrific’, as per the Northern Echo.
He said: “He’s been terrific, and he was quite ill actually at the start of the week. He was touch and go on whether he was going to make it, so credit to him for getting himself into a place where he was able to play.
“His attributes – being so quick and such a good left foot – make him a big part of our attacking structure and strategy.”
As a result, it was not surprising to see reports earlier this month claim Boro were continuing to monitor the defender amid uncertainty around his future.
Now, however, Hull City have confirmed they have triggered an option to buy Giles from Luton Town on a permanent basis.
Did Middlesbrough need to sign Ryan Giles
Missing out on a player who has already done well for your club is something of a blow for Boro.
However, while Giles would have been a useful option to have in 2024/25, Middlesbrough’s current left-back options are not too bad.
After Giles’ departure in 2023, Lukas Engel and Alex Bangura were brought to the club to help fill the void.
The pair took some time to embed themselves into the Middlesbrough team but by the end of 2023/24, they were both showcasing some of their best football.
Neither player was able to match Giles in terms of stats in the previous campaign, but after a full season under Carrick, they will hopefully kick on in 2024/25.