Middlesbrough summer transfer wish list clearly has five major priorities, Kieran Scott has his work cut out

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Middlesbrough endured a tough 2024/25 season, and work now needs to start on rebuilding for the forthcoming campaign.

Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough future remains up in the air following a disappointing season, but Boro’s stance on Kieran Scott is much clearer.

The club will offer Scott a new deal, which should see him stick around despite interest from Crystal Palace earlier this year.

Middlesbrough’s recruitment has improved a great deal since his arrival, barring perhaps the most recent winter window. However, Carrick was heavily involved in signings completed in January, opting to bring in Kelechi Iheanacho despite other options being available.

Regardless of whether Carrick stays or goes, though, Scott and the rest of the club’s recruitment staff should already be working on plans for the summer, with it clear there are five (though you could certainly make a case for more) positions that must be targeted.

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Five positions Middlesbrough must strengthen in summer transfer window

Starting at the back, the Teessiders received a clear upgrade in January when they landed Mark Travers on loan from Bournemouth.

The difference between Travers and Seny Dieng was night and day, and even if Sol Brynn becomes Boro’s number one in 2025/26, it’s clear another option to replace Dieng and rival Brynn must be brought in.

Elsewhere in the backline, Middlesbrough could, in reality, do with fresh legs in every single position.

Now Anfernee Dijksteel is leaving, an ageing Luke Ayling who struggled this past season is Boro’s only natural, senior right-back.

At centre-back, for whatever reason, Middlesbrough didn’t replace Matt Clarke when he joined Derby County in the winter.

Losing Clarke wasn’t a major blow, but the fact the Reds didn’t bring in a replacement, especially given the constant injury issues they have had at centre-back, was perplexing and something that must be solved.

Left-back is another area of concern, despite Neto Borges showing much improvement in recent months. The Brazilian is a good option, but the quality behind him right now – Lukas Engel, and a constantly injured Alex Bangura – isn’t good enough if the club wants to make a promotion push next season.

Further forward, a new right-sided winger could be looked at after Ben Doak’s loan ended and Isaiah Jones was sold to Luton Town.

They seem to be the main priorities for the time being but a new striker would be needed if Josh Coburn is sold or loaned out again, while a new midfielder or two and another defender should be eyed if Hayden Hackney and Rav van den Berg depart.

Players Middlesbrough are linked with

The 2025 summer transfer window doesn’t open until June 1, so it’s not surprising to see only a few names linked to Boro right now.

We revealed earlier in May that Middlesbrough were leading the way for Tyrhys Dolan, who is out of contract next month.

Blackburn Rovers have offered the winger new terms, but it’s our understanding he’s expected to leave.

Elsewhere, Middlesbrough are interested in Calvin Brackelmann of SC Paderborn. Millwall have also looked at the defender.