Middlesbrough sent transfer demand to fix "unbelievable" issue - It's "worrying" | OneFootball

FLW’s Boro expert has laid bare his summer transfer fears

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

As the summer transfer window reaches its final stretch, Middlesbrough find themselves at a pivotal crossroads.

The winds of change have swept through the Riverside Stadium in recent months, with Rob Edwards stepping into the dugout and tasked with driving a new era of high-intensity football.

But to fully implement his vision, the Boro squad must be strengthened - and quickly.

This summer’s transfer activity has been steady rather than spectacular. The club has welcomed Callum Brittain, Alfie Jones, and Abdoulaye Kanté, while saying goodbye to the likes of Josh Coburn and Jonny Howson.

However, glaring holes remain.

Lack of squad depth remains a major concern for Middlesbrough

With the transfer window hitting the homeward stretch, Football League World asked resident Boro expert Liam Day for his worst fear for his team this summer.

“My worst fear of the rest of the transfer window is very easily not getting in the bare minimum - which is three more players, a striker, another centre-back, and a left wing back,” Day told FLW.

“I feel like that is the bare minimum. I would like to see a CAM as well added to that, or just a forward player. We need a bit of pace in the team.”

“But at the moment, that is my biggest fear. Currently we lack so much depth that it is unbelievable. This season is not going to be a good one as the current squad stands and a lot of players are needed, whether that's on loan or permanent, we just need to get them in.

“It's been quite worrying. I usually enjoy the transfer window, but this one's been really slow.

“Not many names have been linked and well, from the start said that we had transfer targets locked down, but then nothing's really happened with it.

“So it's been a bit of a weird one, but that's the bare minimum.”

Rob Edwards’ recruitment strategy must turn promise into progress

There is no doubt that Middlesbrough’s recruitment team is working diligently behind the scenes.

Edwards has spoken positively about the clarity and structure of the process, noting how advanced scouting work had already been done before his arrival.

The strategy is clear: target players with positional versatility, long-term upside, and future sell-on value - such as Brittain and potential new MLS arrival Max Arfsten.

But while the foundations are solid, time is running out to turn planning into progress. With only a handful of senior additions so far and key areas still short of Championship-ready depth, the next few weeks will be decisive.

If Middlesbrough are to avoid another season of frustration and truly push for promotion, they must now act with urgency.

The talent identification is there and the philosophy is sound - what’s needed now is execution, because without it, the exciting new era under Edwards risks being undermined before it even begins.