Rob Edwards’ first priority as Middlesbrough manager and two more issues that must be addressed

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Rob Edwards is replacing Michael Carrick as Middlesbrough manager and will have several issues to solve this summer.

A plethora of names have been mooted to potentially replace Michael Carrick after his dismissal earlier this month.

The former Luton Town man was the frontrunner over the weekend, with our understanding that Steve Gibson met with Rob Edwards.

Danny Rohl was another name looked at by Middlesbrough. But the ex-Hatters boss is taking the role.

EFL Analysis first revealed on June 17 that Luton and Boro had agreed on compensation for Edwards ahead of an official announcement.

Now that Edwards is becoming Boro manager, there are a number of issues that he will need to address if Gibson is to get his wish of returning Middlesbrough to the Premier League.

Middlesbrough need a new right-back

There’s a long list of problems at the Riverside Stadium right now, but the most pressing is the severe lack of right-back options.

Anfernee Dijksteel has left Middlesbrough as a free agent with his contract expiring on June 30.

Meanwhile, Luke Ayling could depart in the summer window, which would mean Boro have zero senior, natural right-back options.

Even if Ayling were to stay, he’s unfortunately looked off his game since signing for the Teessiders permanently, and a younger, ready-to-go option is needed.

Middlesbrough are ‘desperate’ for a right-back, so that is a problem that will hopefully be solved soon.

What will Middlesbrough do with their best players

The North East outfit have become a selling club in recent years and could earn over £9m from Morgan Rogers this summer if he leaves Aston Villa, with Chelsea linked.

Emmanuel Latte Lath was also let go in the 2025 winter window, moving for £22.5m.

Now, the futures of Hayden Hackney, Finn Azaz, and Rav van den Berg must all be decided.

All three have transfer interest, but it remains to be seen what stance Gibson is going to take.

The Middlesbrough owner was adamant about not selling his top stars this time last year, and Edwards will need to have a conversation about what the plan is for the coming months, as those potential exits would heavily impact recruitment.

Middlesbrough loanees and striker impact

Middlesbrough had a number of names out on loan in 2024/25, the most notable being Josh Coburn and Alex Gilbert.

Both excelled at their respective clubs, but their stints at the Riverside beyond this summer are still in doubt.

Carrick clearly didn’t want to use Coburn in his system, but he’s proven at Millwall that he can cut it in the Championship. So, Edwards must decide, after seeing the duo in action, of course, if he wants to keep, sell, or loan both Gilbert and Coburn this summer.

Should Coburn be let go, Boro would need to sign another striker to rival Tommy Conway.