“No Brainer” – Middlesbrough set to unlock Aidan Morris potential by signing former PL forward

Middlesbrough look to sign a former Premier League striker to help Aidan Morris reach his full potential on Teesside.

Middlesbrough are expected to confirm Aidan Morris as their third signing of the 2024 summer transfer window.

Boro will pay Columbus $4 million (£3.16 million) to recruit Morris, joining Luke Ayling from Leeds United and Delano Burgzorg from Mainz 05.

In a recent interview, Morris discussed how Michael Carrick persuaded him to join Middlesbrough. He expressed appreciation for Carrick and how the former Manchester United great sold him on the move.

The 22-year-old midfielder is not expected to be the North East outfit’s final signing this summer though, with a striker said to be a priority for Middlesbrough now Morris’ deal is all but wrapped up.

Middlesbrough should sign former Premier League striker Cucho Hernandez

Middlesbrough has struggled with forwards during the last 26 years, with Chuba Akpom being the only player to score 20+ goals in a season.

Akpom left for Ajax and was replaced by Emmanuel Latte Lath in the starting eleven.

Latte Lath scored 16 goals for the North East outfit in 2023/24, but he had a tough start at Riverside.

As a result, Carrick will most likely seek to add another dependable goalscorer to his squad before the August 30 deadline.

Cucho Hernandez, a Columbus Crew player and four-time Colombia international, is one guy Middlesbrough might consider targeting.

Hernandez formerly played in England with Watford, where he scored five goals and assisted twice in 25 Premier League appearances.

In his current club, the 25-year-old has 44 goals and 14 assists in 71 games in all competitions.

Cucho Hernandez can unlock Aidan Morris potential at Middlesbrough

Hernandez, in addition to establishing himself a productive goalscorer for Columbus Crew, might help Aidan Morris reach his full potential at Middlesbrough.

Foreign players frequently require time to adjust to the rough and tumble style of the Championship, particularly those battling it out in the middle of the park.

However, if Boro signed Hernandez, the midfielder’s transition into Carrick’s club would undoubtedly be far smoother.

Morris has largely played as a sitting midfielder for the Columbus Crew and will most likely be deployed in the same role at the Riverside.

Despite not being played in a predominantly attacking role, Morris has five assists in MLS this season, including two in his previous two games.

Both of those assists set up Hernandez, and the two certainly had a strong bond during their time in the United States.

Boro should explore a transfer for Hernandez, as rekindling his partnership with Morris at the Riverside would strengthen the club’s chances of promotion to the Championship.

At the same time, signing Hernandez would address Boro’s need for centre-forward reinforcements.

Hernandez also has just over 12 months left on his current contract, meaning Middlesbrough may be able to sign him for under his market value.