FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit makes two predictions about the next transfer window. Michael Carrick will be aiming for the Championship’s top slots next season following a poor 2023-24 season with Middlesbrough.
To do this, Boro may need to recruit a few new players while also removing some of the squad’s underperforming members.
Last month, the Teessiders announced the exits of Paddy McNair and Liam Roberts when their contracts expired, and since then they have been rather active in the transfer market, signing Luke Ayling and Delano Burgzorg on permanent terms.
While additional acquisitions are expected, outgoings are likely to be significant, and Boro fans will be closely monitoring their club’s fortunes.
Anfernee Dijksteel could be on the move from Middlesbrough
FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Phil Spencer of talkSPORT believes that out-of-favour defender Anfernee Dijksteel could leave the Riverside Stadium this summer.
“I think Anfernee Dijksteel will leave this summer,” Phil told Football League World.
“It has been widely believed that he is surplus to requirements after signing Luke Ayling on a permanent contract. We now have Tommy Smith and Ayling capable of playing right-back, as well as Rav ven den Berg and Isiah Jones.
“Given the fight for places, he’s way down the pecking order, and Michael Carrick hasn’t liked him since he took over. However, when he has played, he has appeared out of his depth, and he does not suit the way.
Carrick wants to play the game. “It’s been a few years since he was a regular starter for the squad, and with a year left on his contract, all indications are that Middlesbrough will try to cash in on him.
“From Middlesbrough’s point of view, they can get the wages off the wage bill, and they can then reinvest that money elsewhere.”
For Dijksteel, it appears like the writing has been on the wall for some time, and with reports indicating that he will be going, he has likely made his final appearance for Boro.
Riley McGree could also depart as Middlesbrough contract uncertainty emerges
Riley McGree has been a standout player for Middlesbrough since signing in 2022, and he also performed admirably for Australia at the Qatar World Cup last year.
However, the Australian’s recent statements over his Boro future will create concern, with the midfielder stating: “I’m going out there as I would any season, [whether that] be with Middlesbrough again or elsewhere.”
This interview worried Spencer, and McGree planned the next phase of his summer forecasts.
“He (McGree) has one year remaining on his contract at the moment. He is a guy that Middlesbrough truly likes, and the fans simply love him since, on his day, he is perhaps our best player, due to his technical talents in
Phil added, “Those attacking areas.” He has international experience, but his contract status creates a sense of uncertainty surrounding him, and he appears to be a player with hopes of joining the Premier League.
“Perhaps it’s time for him and Middlesbrough to split ways, despite our desire to grant him a new deal.
“He is a crucial player for us and has the potential to carry us to the next level. However, if he is hesitant, our new transfer plan will prevent us from waiting until next summer to see if he signs a new contract. We are not willing to take this risk.
“If that occurs, it will be comparable to what we
We saw with Chuba Akpom last summer, and we’ll be looking to cash in on him. “We will need to recoup that transfer fee, which will be a significant one for a player like Riley McGree, and we can use that money to reinvest in a replacement or another position.”
Riley McGree would be a major loss to Middlesbrough if sold. While the loss of Dijksteel would be a minor blow to Boro given the cover they already have in that position, McGree would be a complete shocker.
The midfielder has developed an excellent rapport with the supporters and possesses the unusual ability to be dangerous both defensively and offensively.
If they lost him, many would consider it tough to replace McGree, and with only one year remaining on his contract, the money they could collect would be lowered.
Whatever happens, Michael Carrick will be anxious to keep the Australian at the Riverside beyond next season, and he knows McGree can be an important piece in their promotion push.
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