Middlesbrough may be concerned about their squad becoming weaker in the January transfer window, rather than strengthening Michael Carrick’s side.
Boro appear to be firmly among the Premier League promotion contenders this season, as the Teessiders seek to end their eight-year absence from the top level by the conclusion of the season.
Middlesbrough spent a number of their early years in the second division spending big quantities of money on players who, for the most part, failed to live up to their price tags, setting the club back significantly financially.
However, after the entrance of head of football Kieran Scott, followed shortly by the appointment of Carrick, Boro’s recruitment has improved substantially, with the playing roster now brimming with quality players and sellable assets.
| Middlesbrough’s summer 2024 signings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Signed from | Deal type |
| George Edmundson | Ipswich Town | Loan |
| Ben Doak | Liverpool | Loan |
| Neto Borges | Clermont Foot | Permanent |
| Tommy Conway | Bristol City | Permanent |
| Micah Hamilton | Man City | Permanent |
| Aidan Morris | Columbus Crew | Permanent |
| Delano Burgzorg | Mainz | Permanent |
| Luke Ayling | Free agent (ex-Leeds) | Permanent |
That can be a double-edged sword, however, as top teams begin to circle some of their players. With that in mind, FLW examines two potential transfer issues for Middlesbrough during the forthcoming winter window.
Emmanuel Latte Lath might have his head turned.
After a difficult start to the season in terms of goal scoring, Boro’s number nine, Emmanuel Latte Lath, has returned to spectacular form in recent weeks.
The Ivorian international scored 18 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions in his maiden season on Teesside last year and is on track to repeat that feat this season.
Lath has clearly established himself to be a deadly marksman at Championship level, prompting interest from major clubs around Europe.
AS Monaco, one of the clubs believed to have been surrounding Boro’s centre-forward in the summer, paid Atalanta £4.2 million in August 2023. However, in recent days, it has been revealed that Premier League club West Ham United has been keeping a close eye on Lath ahead of January.
According to Sky Sports Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Hammers had a scout at the Kassam Stadium on November 23rd to witness Boro defeat Oxford United by six goals, with Lath scoring a hat-trick.
It’s safe to presume Middlesbrough’s striker will have received a glittering report to be placed on Julen Lopetegui’s desk, which will undoubtedly have Boro’s chiefs concerned that the Irons, or indeed a different top club will come calling in the new year.
Boro rejected a £20 million bid from Ipswich Town in the last hours of the summer transfer window, with Lath reportedly angry that the move was stopped, and the Teessiders’ resolve may be tested again in January. If Lath’s head is swayed by a top-flight move, Middlesbrough will have to make a big decision.
Do they cash in but lose a top player in the middle of their promotion campaign? Or will they reject any offers and risk retaining a possibly disgruntled player on their roster?
Finn Azaz’s form could see top clubs come knocking in January
There is possibly no Middlesbrough player in better form or more important to Carrick’s team right now than offensive midfielder Finn Azaz.
The Irish international is Boro’s major creative force, scoring some outstanding goals and delivering some amazing assists. His effort against Oxford United was one of the best by a Middlesbrough player in some time.
Azaz ran the show that afternoon at the Kassam, scoring two goals and providing two assists while looking every inch the top-class number 10. However, with January approaching, he could be hitting form at the worst possible time in terms of staying on Teesside.
If any elite team is looking for an attacking midfielder in the Championship, Azaz’s recent performances will undoubtedly put him at the top of the list, which is a major problem for Boro.
Given how important he is to Middlesbrough’s chances of promotion, it’s safe to think that the club won’t consider selling him in January, but if a ridiculously high offer is made for his services, things may change.
Middlesbrough’s resolve to resist an approach for Azaz has not been challenged since he signed for the club last January, but that could change in the new year. If he maintains his shape through the winter window, it will..Read more
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