Michael Carrick’s transfer stance for a key Middlesbrough position has now been made clear after a recent decision.
Middlesbrough missed out on a Championship play-off place by four points last season.
Boro’s struggles early in the campaign and injury issues throughout 2023/24 played a key role in the club’s failure to make the top six.
However, with the backing of Steve Gibson, manager Michael Carrick and Kieran Scott are working hard to ensure Middlesbrough are well prepared to make a proper promotion push in 2024/25.
With right-back a problem area last term, the Teessiders moved swiftly to sign Luke Ayling permanently after he shone on loan from Leeds United.
Boro also saw Sam Greenwood leave the club following his loan expiring at the end of 2023/24 but have already signed Delano Burgzorg as a replacement.
Another striker to provide competition for Emmanuel Latte Lath is a priority for Middlesbrough this summer as well.
However, one area of the North East outfit’s squad may still need addressing in the transfer market.
Carrick stance on midfield signing clear after Law McCabe contract extension
That area is central midfield. Aidan Morris joined Boro recently but even with the addition of the American, question marks reminded over the depth of the club’s midfield.
Jonny Howson is now 36 years old and unlikely to be able to play a full 46-game campaign.
Lewis O’Brien and Paddy McNair have also left the club this summer, suggesting Middlesbrough may have needed to add further reinforcements in the centre of the pitch.
However, rather than aiming to bring in a new face to solve this issue, Carrick looks set to put his faith in Law McCabe.
The Boro academy graduate made his senior debut in 2023/24 and despite only extending his contract in December, has now signed a new four-year deal with the club.
This shows Middlesbrough and Carrick clearly believe the 18-year-old can be a top player for the club and he is likely to see more first-team action in 2024/25.
McCabe can become top star for Middlesbrough
McCabe made three Championship appearances for Middlesbrough last season, with his first start coming versus Watford on the final day.
After handing the midfielder his first start, Carrick backed the Englishman to show a lot more of his natural talent once he earns regular minutes, as per Teesside Live.
He said: “He had so much composure and his natural talent was on show.
“There will be so much more to come from him once he gets a few more games under his belt. I was delighted for him today. It was the natural next step for him.”
McCabe has limited experience but it is clear from his few senior outings so far that he can become a top player.
And Carrick looks to be the right man to nurture and develop the player going forward.
The former Manchester United man is not afraid to hand young players a chance, with Rav van den Berg a key player for the Teessiders in 2023/24 despite only being 19 years of age.