Michael Carrick reveals Middlesbrough's transfer intentions in January window
MICHAEL CARRICK has confirmed that Middlesbrough will be ‘trying to do business’ when the transfer window reopens tomorrow.
The Teessiders signed off for 2024 with a goalless draw against Burnley that leaves them in sixth position, well-positioned to mount a promotion push but also having been held back by some of the weaknesses that have been apparent in the first half of the season.
Carrick has long insisted there will not be a need for a major surgery in January, but with injuries mounting in a handful of key areas, most notably attack, the Boro boss is hoping to be able to tweak his squad next month.
“Our eyes are open going into January, trying to improve the group,” said Carrick. “We’ll have to see what gets thrown up, but there’ll certainly be things that we’ll try to do.
“Whether it all comes off or not, it’s very difficult to know that at this time of year. But that’s really where we’re at. There’s not really much more I can say, other than that we’ll be trying to improve in one or two areas.”
Carrick accepts that Boro’s plans for January will have to be fluid as their actions could be heavily influenced by outside factors.
Liverpool are not expected to trigger the recall clause in Ben Doak’s loan deal, but clearly if they were to return to teenager to Anfield, Boro would need to sign a replacement.
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“It’s difficult to plan because things can change,” admitted Carrick. “Of course, you go into January with a plan, but it can change pretty quickly.
“Injuries are obviously a factor, and they can influence your thinking. Then there are some things we maybe expect to pop up, but there could be things happen that we don’t envisage.
“It can pop out of nowhere, then you’ve got to do deal with it and work on your feet. It’s a case of constantly adjusting, to be honest. But whatever happens, we’ve got to come out of it stronger than when we went in.”
