Middlesbrough signing player called ‘important’ by Rob Edwards now mooted, ‘very realistic target’

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Middlesbrough could move for one of Rob Edwards’ former players during the 2025 summer transfer window.

After sacking Michael Carrick following a 10th-place Championship finish, Boro are close to confirming his replacement.

Middlesbrough will announce Rob Edwards officially this week, with confirmation expected to come at some point on Thursday.

The manager has been out of work since January 2025 after he left Luton Town, who have since been relegated to League One.

Now, as Edwards begins to prepare for the 2025/26 season with Boro, there could be potential for him to re-sign a former player.

Alfie Doughty to Middlesbrough mooted

EFL Analysis has spoken exclusively to our chief transfer correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

And he suggested that a move for Luton wing-back Alfie Doughty could be possible this summer after previous interest from Middlesbrough.

He said: “I think it’ll be one that Middlesbrough at least look at. They looked at him previously, and he will certainly be one that they discuss again now. I can see them looking at Doughty, and at Bali Mumba on the right, especially if they switch to a back three, which is Rob Edwards’ preference. That squad is not built to play 3-5-2 now.

“Boro do have left side options, but not great ones. Alex Bangura has been injured, but he could do it. Neto Borges is probably better suited to left center-half role. So Alfie Doughty, yes, there would very much be a role for him. He is a very realistic target for Middlesbrough.

“I think that move will very much be in the conversation for him, but I do think he’ll leave Luton, that’s for sure.”

What Rob Edwards has said about Alfie Doughty

Doughty joined the Hatters from Stoke City in the summer of 2022 for an undisclosed fee.

He’s since featured 105 times, scored six goals and provided 20 assists for Luton when largely playing as a left-wing-back.

Edwards has previously praised the attack-minded defender after he made a goal-line clearance in a meeting against Norwich City, as per Luton Today.

He said: “I just went in and congratulated him again as I didn’t do it when I spoke to the lads as a whole.

“Alfie’s probably someone who definitely deserves to attack more than defend, but he’s really appreciating both sides of the game and he knows it’s important to do the other side of it as well.

“For him to be on the line and stop a certain goal, obviously got us the three points, it was as important as a goal.”