Middlesbrough's transfer boosts and concerns assessed after the end of the window

The Teessiders missed out on several targets during the window but did manage to make five new additions in different positions.

Boro boss Neil Warnock hasn’t hid the fact his squad are low on numbers ahead of a long and arduous campaign, and that the Teessiders are looking at the free agent market to try and strengthen.

We run through each position to assess Boro’s transfer window as a whole.

Goalkeepers

IN: Marcus Bettinelli

OUT: Pears, Mejias

Warnock clearly had doubts about both Aynsley Pears and Dejan Stojanovic, hence the reason they were rotated between the sticks last season.

The Boro boss moved quickly to bring in Marcus Bettinelli on a season-long loan from Fulham and it’s easy to see why.

With no fans inside grounds, Bettinelli can often be heard barking out instructions to the players in front of him and keeping his defenders in check.

The 28-year-old did receive some criticism after he conceded two goals at his near post during the Carabao Cup tie against Barnsley, and when he palmed the ball straight in front of him during the 1-1 draw with QPR.

Yet Bettinelli has also made some vital saves since joining the Teessiders and looks like an upgrade on what Boro already had.

It was slightly disappointing to see Pears depart on transfer deadline day after he rose through the academy and broke into the first team last season.

But, as Warnock has pointed out, Boro have highly-rated teenager Sol Brynn coming through the ranks, while Pears appeared to be frustrated by his lack of game time.

Verdict: Stronger

Defence

IN: Grant Hall

OUT: Shotton, George Friend, Daniel Ayala, Moukoudi

Defence is a position where Boro do appear very short of options.

Losing experienced players such as George Friend, Ryan Shotton and Daniel Ayala has clearly left a void at the back, even if the latter had already left the club when Warnock took charge last season.

A couple of injuries would leave Boro in trouble at the back, yet Warnock has already helped improve members of his squad, while some of whom have the ability to play in multiple positions.

Anfernee Dijksteel and Paddy McNair are the perfect examples after excelling in a back three.

Dael Fry has also shown signs he’s getting back to his best after a rocky spell, while Marc Bola has looked like a new signing at left-back in recent weeks.

On paper, Boro’s defence appears weaker than it did last season, yet Warnock often finds a way to tighten things up at the back.

Verdict Weaker

Central midfield

IN: Morsy

OUT: Clayton

Despite a decent start to his career at Birmingham, it seemed Adam Clayton’s time at Boro had come to a natural end.

The 31-year-old spent six seasons at the Riverside and was a key member of the 2016 promotion-winning side under Aitor Karanka.

Yet the midfielder’s influence had clearly decreased over the past few seasons, and many were quick to point out Clayton’s limitations when it came to the direction of his passes.

Following Clayton's departure, Boro brought in former Wigan captain Sam Morsy to bolster their midfield options.

The Egyptian international was predominantly viewed as a holding midfielder who could break up play, yet he’s also shown his qualities on the ball in his first two league starts for Boro.

Warnock has praised the 29-year-old, saying he’s had a positive influence in the dressing room.

Verdict: Stronger

Attacking midfield

IN: Roberts (returned after loan spell)

OUT: Morrison

Boro have still lacked that creative spark in the opening weeks of the season.

Bringing Patrick Roberts back to the club for a second loan spell from Manchester City should help address the issue, yet Warnock will also need other players to step up.

Marcus Tavernier finished last season strongly but hasn’t hit the same heights so far this campaign.

Marcus Browne could also provide another attacking threat after returning from a loan spell at Oxford, yet the 22-year-old is still unproven at Championship level.

Boro missed out on signing Yannick Bolasie from Everton last week, a move which would have improved their attacking options.

Verdict: Similar to last season

Strikers

IN: Akpom

OUT: Gestede, Walker

With Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher already at the club, the arrival of Chuba Akpom gave Boro three top strikers at Championship level.

Fletcher’s hamstring injury is a significant blow, though, with the forward set to be sidelined until the end of January at the earliest.

The setback has left Boro short up top and is forcing them to look at the free agent market for potential replacements.

Warnock also allowed Stephen Walker to re-join MK Dons on a season-long loan, a decision he may regret if Boro can’t bring in another forward.

Verdict: Stronger – but Fletcher’s injury leaves them weaker

The overall verdict

Boro’s squad is clearly thinner compared to last season but they have added quality in some key areas of the pitch.

Warnock said at the start of the transfer window that he wanted to improve the spine of his side, which he has done with some shrewd acquisitions.

Bettinelli, Hall, Morsy, Roberts and Akpom will all be expected to play regularly this season when fit.

It’s clear Warnock will have wanted to make a few more signings, yet the current backdrop has limited what many clubs can negotiate financially.

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