A young Middlesbrough player is already showing why he can be the perfect long-term replacement for Jonny Howson.
Jonny Howson has been a mainstay in the Middlesbrough midfield since his transfer from Norwich City in 2017.
He is currently the club captain and has by far and away the most appearances of any current Boro player, though he is still some way off making the list of all-time Middlesbrough appearance-makers.
As well as racking up over 300 appearances for the North East outfit, Howson has won the Player of the Year award on two occasions.
And despite turning 36 in May, he is still able to start for Michael Carrick’s side on a consistent basis.
He featured 38 times and scored two goals as Boro finished eighth in the Championship last term.
However, Howson is out of contract next summer and Middlesbrough will need to start lining up some replacements.
Terrell Agyemany can replace Jonny Howson in Middlesbrough midfield
When it comes time for Howson to depart, Boro will likely look to the transfer market to replace the Englishman.
However, the club could already have an ideal replacement waiting in the wings from their academy.
The player in question is Terrell Agyemany, whom Middlesbrough signed from Manchester City in 2023.
Agyemany provided two assists in nine Premier League 2 appearances in 2023/24 before being loaned out to Hartlepool United.
The versatile midfielder has been sent out on loan once again this summer, joining Scottish side Airdrieonians.
The 2024/25 season is yet to get underway but the 21-year-old is already impressing with his new club.
The former City starlet shone in his first 45 minutes for his new side as they beat Albion Rovers 4-0.
Agyemang then scored his first goal for Airdrieonians in a friendly match versus Crusaders on July 2nd.
The youngster is obviously still a raw talent, but if he can keep up that form across the entirety of this season, Carrick should consider him when trying to replace Howson next year.
Midlesbrough’s midfield plan for 2024/25
While Agyemang is one to keep an eye on for next season, Carrick still has some big decisions to make in his midfield this year.
Aidan Morris recently joined the Teessiders from the MLS and after Boro coughed up a £3.16m transfer fee, Carrick will need to find a place for the American in his eleven.
However, Howson is still the club captain and was a consistent performer in the previous campaign.
There is also Hayden Hackney, who shone in the first half of 2023/24 before seeing his season derailed by injury.
Both Howson and Hackney deserve to be starters for Middlesbrough this season, so it will be interesting to see how Carrick integrates Morris into the team without upsetting the balance too much.
