2 Middlesbrough players that could leave on loan before August 30th deadline | OneFootball

These two Boro players could be heading for temporary moves away from Teesside before the transfer window shuts.

Middlesbrough have made some important signings this summer, which may have planted sizeable roadblocks to playing time for some of Michael Carrick's players.

Boro are hoping for an exciting 2024/25 season, with optimism rife amongst the fanbase that the Teessiders can be amongst the promotion contenders.

The likes of Aidan Morris, Luke Ayling and Delano Burgzorg have all made permanent moves to the North East this summer, further bolstering Carrick's talented squad.

But with those new faces arriving, will it push certain players who are on the fringes of first team action out of the door?

Football League World takes a look at two Middlesbrough players who could be set to leave the club on loan before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Alex Gilbert

A player who had to remain extremely patient during his debut season as a Middlesbrough player, Alex Gilbert would have to wait until the penultimate fixture of the 2023/24 Championship season to be handed his first start in a Boro shirt.

He made it count, however, as the 22-year-old notched a goal and an assist in a 4-1 away win over Cardiff City. That performance ensured that he'd once again be in the starting lineup on the final day, in what was a 3-1 victory over Watford.

Over the course of last term, the Irish youth international made 15 appearances for Boro in all competitions, scoring once and providing three assists, impressing in his largely brief cameos.

However, with Finn Azaz occupying Gilbert's favoured number 10 role, and with quality options ahead of him both on the flanks and in the striker role, the likelihood of regular minutes for the former Brentford man in 2024/25 seems unlikely once again.

As such, both Boro and Gilbert should see the prospect of a temporary loan switch as the ideal outcome this summer, as the club will want to ensure they give the player the best possible opportunity to develop into the talent they believe he can become.

Sonny Finch

Sonny Finch has been one of the standout stars of Middlesbrough's pre-season preparations this summer, with the striker scoring in two separate outings against Bolton Wanderers and Doncaster Rovers respectively.

A signifier of how highly thought of he is at the Riverside, Carrick was handed Finch a long-term contract extension last summer, just 12 months after signing his first professional contract with the club.

However, despite his impressive displays, the 19-year-old still faces a tough task in order to secure regular minutes in Carrick's side, with Emmanuel Latte Lath being cemented as the number nine, whilst fellow academy graduate Josh Coburn occupies a backup role.

Whilst a role on the flanks can't be ruled out, Boro are deep with talent in those areas too, with the likes of Riley McGree, Burgzorg, Isaiah Jones, and Marcus Forss all presenting as established first team commodities.

Therefore, for a player who has clearly outgrown academy football and is ready to kickstart his senior career, sourcing him a loan move to a fellow EFL side could do Finch the world of good.

It would give England youth international the chance to keep progressing as a player, and learn his trade in the men's game, ensuring his development isn't stumped by sitting on the Middlesbrough bench.

Instead, he would be best served getting some valuable experience elsewhere under his belt, before returning to the Riverside ready to truly make his mark in the first team.

Finch is contracted to Middlesbrough until 2026, with the club also possessing the option to extend his contract for a further 12 months.