Middlesbrough could repeat Ben Doak transfer trick as players ‘very much needed’ in two areas

Add as preferred source on Google

EFL Analysis can now share updates on Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough signing Danny Ings and potential loan signings.

So far this summer, the Teessiders have signed three senior players – a centre-back, right-back and central midfielder.

The major talking point at Middlesbrough, however, has been the future of Hayden Hackney, as well as Rav van den Berg.

Both have been key players for Boro in recent seasons, but have received transfer interest this summer.

Rob Edwards has been impressed by Middlesbrough and their recruitment since he arrived, and more signings could be made before the deadline on September 1.

Middlesbrough loan signings, Hayden Hackney and Danny Ings

Hackney has turned down Ipswich, and while Middlesbrough can make more signings without a big sale, our transfer expert Graeme Bailey has suggested that Boro will likely need at least one player to leave if they are to do anything ‘meaningful’.

On Hackney and Danny Ings, Bailey told EFL Analysis: “Obviously, Hackney’s turned down Ipswich as we alluded to last week. He wasn’t overly keen on going there. And Boro don’t have to sell. They have still got some money and bits in the pipeline. I still think Danny Ings is probably likely to still happen.

“I don’t think there’s a guarantee that Hackney leaves this month. I think as we were saying, he’s going to wait, but we’ll see if any Premier League clubs need bodies further into the window. Let’s see what transpires. Boro are open to the deal, same with Van den Berg, as well.

“But if they want to do anything meaningful, I think they probably do need that big sale. They’ll need at least one sale, which they will get.”

In terms of the positions being targeted, Middlesbrough are in the market for a striker and left-back.

On that front, Bailey has said a couple of loan deals are possible, but he expects that type of business will pick up more once the Premier League returns next week.

He added: “But Boro still want a striker and they still want a left back. I don’t think we’ll see a whole host of bodies coming, but Middlesbrough will probably look at the loan market too.

“They have used that to their advantage previously as well. The loan market will kick off more when these Premier League clubs start next week and certain players see they’re not involved. A couple of loans are still possible for both areas and are very much needed.”

Middlesbrough could secure Ben Doak repeat

In the summer of 2024, Middlesbrough had the bulk of their summer transfer business done before the season kicked off.

But they did do some business late on, including Ben Doak signing on loan from Liverpool on deadline day.

Doak played 24 games, scored three goals and assisted seven before suffering a long-term injury that cut his stint at the Riverside Stadium short.