It appears that Middlesbrough will have a busy summer transfer window following a season that has turned into something of a washout.
With 14 games remaining in their season, Middlesbrough is presently ranked 13th in the Championship table.
The campaign started very poorly and Michael Carrick was coming under slight pressure. But, just like last season, he turned it around and quickly brought Boro into top six contention.
One win in five Championship games though has all but canceled out any hopes of a play-off finish this season, with Middlesbrough now 10 points behind Hull City in 6th despite an impressive 2-1 win at Leicester City last time out.
The summer ahead for Middlesbrough
Even though Middlesbrough has been inconsistent this season, there is a belief about them.
It was always going to be tough in the final stretch because Carrick has been dealing with a lot of injuries and because of a quiet deadline day that saw Morgan Rogers move to Aston Vila and left Middlesbrough without a new striker.
However, the team has some talented players; Emmanuel Latte Lath, Hayden Hackney, and Ran van den Berg are just a few who have stood out this year. If the team stays healthy, Middlesbrough could be a serious contender.
Boro might be right up there if a few more players are added in the summer.
Lewis O’Brien is one player whose name might very well be on the club’s summer radar already; the 25-year-old only made 10 Championship appearances for the team after joining on loan from Nottingham Forest last summer.
Why Lewis O’Brien would be a shrewd signing
This week, Carrick has talked up O’Brien a lot and called him “great.”
The Boro manager has praised O’Brien for his adaptability and willingness to play wherever needed, which is always beneficial for a team beset by injuries.
In addition, O’Brien has demonstrated a great deal of skill in the ten games that we have watched him play.
This player has demonstrated his ability to perform at the Championship level in the past, so it’s possible that he will be looking for a new home this summer after losing favour at his parent club, Nottingham Forest.
According to rumours, Forest wanted O’Brien to leave permanently last summer, but they ultimately decided to sign him to a loan. Given his history with injuries, O’Brien might not be needed in the summer.
However, what is trash to one man is treasure to another.
O’Brien’s natural position is in the middle of the park, and Carrick’s playing style is a perfect fit for his persistent, high-energy style.
His passing range is strong, and he can be a valuable asset during transitions. He moves quickly, can turn players quickly, and can initiate attacks.
Although Boro appears to be planning to bolster their offensive and defensive units come summer, a move for O’Brien might make everything work out perfectly.
