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A sense of uncertainty has descended upon Middlesbrough as the summer transfer window looms, with the future of manager Michael Carrick hanging in the balance.
This managerial ambiguity casts a long shadow over the club’s immediate prospects, inevitably raising questions about the composition of the playing squad for the upcoming season.
the possibility of a change at the helm could trigger a squad reshuffle, with several promising young talents’ futures potentially linked to Carrick’s tenure. Luke Ayling is one player Middlesbrough could say goodbye to this summer.
And EFL Analysis can share an update on one particular Middlesbrough player.
Josh Coburn’s Middlesbrough future faces uncertainty
EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal, via information from our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, where Coburn could be next season.
“Carrick’s departure would open the door for a huge number of players: Riley McGree, Josh Coburn, and probably more besides, like Alex Gilbert. As happens at many clubs, a managerial change can bring a real injection of new opportunities,” Bailey said.
“Many would say Middlesbrough’s academy system has stalled at the moment. The club isn’t too happy about that, as it’s a club that was built on its academy.
- READ MORE: Middlesbrough looking to tie down key man this summer, it could spell the end for Michael Carrick
“Josh Coburn’s going to be waiting like the rest of us for what’s next. If Carrick does stay, his loan spell at Millwall, where he had a very good season, should warrant a pre-season opportunity. I’d be disappointed if Carrick didn’t give him that chance, as he offers something different.
“I know the Middlesbrough fans would love to see him given a chance. He’s more than good enough to have a place in this squad. Let’s see what pre-season brings for Josh Coburn. But, either with Carrick or a new manager, I’d be surprised if he was allowed to leave before pre-season.”
Michael Carrick’s record whilst in charge at Middlesbrough
Carrick’s arrival at Middlesbrough in October 2022 ignited a significant transformation, guiding the team to the Championship play-offs where young forward Josh Coburn began to feature more often.
Carrick’s possession-focused football provided a platform for emerging talents like Coburn to develop. However, the subsequent seasons have brought frustration.
Despite showing consistent competitiveness and reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals in 2023-2024, Middlesbrough just missed out on the play-offs in both the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 campaigns, finishing just outside the coveted top six both times.
During this period, Coburn’s role within the team fluctuated, showing the ongoing tactical adjustments as Carrick searched for the right balance.
Despite Carrick overseeing the development of several players, including providing experience to Coburn through his inclusion in the squad and loan, the failure to secure a playoff position has increased scrutiny on Carrick’s future.