Ray Parlour reflects on Middlesbrough, Hull City summer transfer moves | OneFootball

Ray Parlour has been speaking exclusively to Football League World

Ray Parlour has shared his thoughts on two of his former clubs' summer transfer business – weighing in on some of the deals done by Middlesbrough and Hull City.

The transfer window was a busy period for both as they looked to tool up ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.

At Boro, it was all about continuing the momentum under Michael Carrick while Tigers owner Acun Ilicali backed new boss Tim Walter and looked to replenish the squad after some big-name exits.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World via NetBet Online Casino, Parlour offered his insight on some of the key summer calls made.

Charlie Hughes can follow Jacob Greaves to the Premier League

Having sold Jacob Greaves to Ipswich Town for a fee in the region of £15m, it always felt likely that Hull would reinvest at centre-back and in Charlie Hughes, they've signed one of the brighter talents at the position in the EFL.

The Tigers spent a reported £4m on the deal to sign the defender from Wigan Athletic but the feeling is that if he develops as expected, they could easily make a profit in a few years.

Quizzed on whether Hughes could follow Greaves' footsteps and attract a Premier League move, Parlour said: "Absolutely.

"If you perform week in, week out in the Championship, you will get noticed.

“It’s all down to the player and if Charlie Hughes wants to get to the Premier League, you have to get down to hard work in the Championship and perform to catch the eye.

“You must focus on the now and perform for your current club. For the club itself, if a bid comes in, it means the team are performing on the pitch.”

Mason Burstow can prove Sunderland wrong and thrive at the MKM Stadium

The hope is that Hull can help 21-year-old forward Mason Burstow fulfill the potential that he showed when he broke through at Charlton Athletic.

His emergence at the League One club earned a move to Chelsea but it's not all been plain sailing since then as he struggled on loan in the Championship with Sunderland last season.

Burstow was one of a number of young forwards who failed to deliver for the Black Cats last term and would end the goal with just one goal to his name.

He managed less than 1,000 minutes on Wearside but will now be looking to put that spell behind him and prove himself at his new club.

Parlour believes the forward can do just that if he works hard.

He said: “Some players don’t fit in at certain clubs and thrive with others.

“If he can get his head down, train well and be integrated in the team well, he can perform well on the pitch and prove he is a top player.

“It’s up to the player to put in the effort and perform week in week out. It’s a tough league, but it’s possible to shine with a good team of quality players around you.”

Middlesbrough may regret Paddy McNair call after West Brom move

There were some exciting additions at the Riverside this summer while for the most part, Boro managed to keep hold of their key players.

One that did move on was utility player Paddy McNair, who left at the end of his contract after notching 219 appearances for the Teessiders in both defence and midfield.

McNair joined up with MLS team San Diego FC but has since secured a loan move to Boro's Championship rivals West Bromwich Albion.

It's something that Parlour has warned the North East club they might live to regret.

He said: “His experience is important, so Boro could miss this.

"With so many games in the Championship and when it comes to the final run in, experience is key in some instances, so knowing how to cope with the pressure is important.”

Missing Ryan Giles may harm Middlesbrough

Ryan Giles was thought to be top target for Boro throughout the summer.

Despite signing permanently for Hull after spending last season on loan from Luton Town, the feeling was that he may be allowed re-sign for the Teessiders after an eye-catching spell at the Riverside a few years ago.

Such a move never transpired, despite reports that Boro remained keen for much of the transfer window, and the wing-back remained at the MKM Stadium.

He's a player that Parlour appears to be a big fan of and one that he feels Middlesbrough will miss this term.

The former Boro player said: “He’s a good player and for a team like Boro who want to challenge for the play-offs, he would have been ideal as they needed to keep improving as Burnley and other title challengers were also looking to add to their squad.

“The Championship is such a tough league and with quality players, you can push on and maintain a play-off push. So, missing out, it could harm them.”