Breaking: Middlesbrough closing in on move to sign ‘exciting’ 24-year-old target after being given glimmer of hope in transfer race
Middlesbrough have been handed a glimmer of hope they can still complete a deal for one of their transfer targets this summer.
Middlesbrough has been very successful in their 2024 summer transfer business.
Boro signed Luke Ayling on a free transfer from Leeds United, where he produced eight assists in 19 appearances on loan last season.
The North East club then strengthened their forward line by signing Delano Burgzorg from Mainz 05.
Burgzorg, who previously scored seven goals in 33 Championship games for relegated Huddersfield Town, is expected to add skill and diversity to Michael Carrick’s assault.
Although the club has yet to confirm the deal, Aidan Morris has already described how Carrick persuaded him to join Middlesbrough.
The striker position remains a priority for Middlesbrough as the summer window rolls on but so far, it has been largely good news coming out of Teesside.
Middlesbrough could still sign Ryan Giles this summer
Boro received a blow on the transfer front this week with the signing of Ryan Giles.
Middlesbrough revived their interest in full-back Giles after a successful loan spell on Teesside in 2022/23. Boro are still monitoring the player.
Middlesbrough appeared to have missed out on signing the 24-year-old, after Hull City stated they had activated an option to buy Giles from Luton Town on a permanent basis.
Boro’s pursuit of the left-back appeared to be over, but a new report from the Northern Echo says the club is still interested in the player.
According to the site, new manager Tim Walter, who succeeded Liam Rosenior, the Tigers’ head coach when Giles was first signed, has yet to decide if the player will be a prominent figure for the Yorkshire club next season.
If Walter decides against employing Giles, and Hull must tread carefully to maintain compliance with financial fair play requirements, Boro will attempt to make a move if a deal can be reached.
A potential stumbling issue for the Steve Gibson-owned squad is that they would want to sign Giles on loan, with the prospect of a permanent transfer later on.
What Ryan Giles can bring to Middlesbrough
Giles began his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers and was loaned out three times while with the Midlands club.
The 24-year-old was previously on loan at Cardiff City, where he was described as ‘exciting’ by then-manager Mick McCarthy, according to Wales Online.
He went on: “Ryan is exciting and the crosses he puts in, whether it’s on the right, putting them in left-footed, corners, free-kicks, it’s a real weapon we can utilise.”
Giles’ ability to whip in a cross was on full display during his previous stint at the Riverside, where he contributed 11 assists in 45 league appearances.
A full-back with such an attacking threat would be a major boost for Carrick, who likes his defenders to push high up the pitch when his side have possession.
Lukas Engel and Alex Bangura are Middlesbrough’s current left-backs and while they have shown glimpses of attacking prowess, it is clear Giles is above them in this regard.
Engel scored two and provided four assists in the Championship last term, while Bangura scored two and assisted one.
