Ray Parlour has reacted to reports that Isaiah Jones is looking to leave Boro
Former Middlesbrough midfielder Ray Parlour believes his former club should try to keep Isaiah Jones in next month’s transfer window, despite speculation that the player wants to leave.
Jones, once one of Boro’s most promising players, has failed since Michael Carrick’s arrival owing to both on- and off-field troubles. This season, he’s slid down the pecking order since Ben Doak’s arrival on loan late in the summer transfer window, following his own disappointing start to the season.
Despite the fact that Jones has been a valuable member of the Boro squad this season, regularly coming off the bench to play his part, he has only started one game since September, leading to speculation that he is unhappy on Teesside and would like to leave in the January transfer window in search of more game time.
Having said that, there are no signals of unrest around the club, and his performances from the bench reveal a player who is still very committed to the cause. And, with the 25-year-old under contract for another two seasons, Parlour has explained why he intends to keep Jones on Teesside.
The former Boro star told Football League World: “For me, you need depth, and I would like to strengthen rather than lose players in January. The second half of the season is critical for keeping everyone fit, and Carrick believes he can put his squad in an excellent position to contend for promotion in May. Although Jones may have fallen down the pecking order, he has the potential to be an important player for Boro in 2025.
Another aspect Boro will undoubtedly examine if Jones’ future becomes a choice that must be taken in January is the fact that they have no long-term plans to sign Doak. The Liverpool loanee is highly regarded at Anfield and will almost probably return next season to compete for first-team play.
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