Middlesbrough head into 2024/25 looking to win promotion to the Premier League at the third time of asking under Michael Carrick.
Boro have come close in the previous two campaigns and have been strengthening their squad this summer as they aim to finally return to the top flight.
Several players have been brought in already this summer, but there have also been a couple of exits on Teesside.
After Hayden Coulson left the club for Blackpool on a permanent basis, Sammy Silvera was loaned to newly-promoted Portsmouth for the forthcoming campaign.
Silvera made 42 appearances in all competitions for the North East outfit during his first year at the club but Boro decided to loan him out in order to give him more first-team minutes.
The winger showed signs of quality last term but it was clear he still needs more time to adjust to English football.
Middlesbrough were right to loan the Australian out, but his exit has left Carrick somewhat short on the left flank.
Middlesbrough should rival Sunderland for Declan Frith
One player who could improve Carrick’s options out wide in 2024/25 is Declan Firth.
Frith has previously had spells in Chelsea and Aston Villa’s academy and is currently playing in Spain with Valencia.
However, the 22-year-old could be on his way back to England this summer as Spanish outlet Marca report that Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers have both made offers for Frith.
The Englishman is a natural left winger but is able to play as a centre-forward and on the right flank as well.
Given Boro’s lack of depth on the left following the exit of Silvera, they should look to beat Sunderland and QPR to Frith’s signing.
Middlesbrough need more options at left wing
Sam Greenwood was Middlesbrough’s primary left-winger in 2023/24, but Boro decided not to take up the option to make his loan from Leeds United a permanent one.
Silvera was the natural back-up to Greenwood but he has now, of course, left the Riverside ahead of 2024/25.
This leaves new signing Delano Burgzorg and Alex Gilbert as the only real options for Carrick to deploy.
Burzgorg is a solid addition but he spent last season being used as a striker, so may need some time to adjust to playing out wide for Boro.
As for Gilbert, he has even less experience than Silvera and if Middlesbrough want to make a proper promotion push, they need more competition on the left wing, which Frith could provide.
