4 exciting Middlesbrough FC starlets that could make the club serious money | OneFootball

Boro have some highly promising young players coming through their ranks that could net the club big money in the future.

Highlights

Middlesbrough FC have always seen the development of young talent as a major part of their football club, with Boro's Rockliffe academy setup being one of the most respected and admired in English football.

The North East is truly one of the hotbeds for football in England, with Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle United all proudly boasting long lines of talent from their respective production lines.

Boro's excellent work in developing, integrating and selling on young talent has been highlighted multiple times in recent years, as the Teessiders continue to nurture through a gold rush of youthful stars.

Djed Spence and Marcus Tavernier were both sold for big money in 2022, having developed in Boro's academy ranks before being promoted to the first team, whilst most recently Morgan Rogers was plucked from Manchester City's youth ranks last summer before being flogged to Aston Villa for big bucks in January.

So who could be next? Football League World takes a look at four Middlesbrough youngsters who could net the club big money in the future.

Rav van den Berg

Middlesbrough's flying Dutchman. Rav van den Berg is undoubtedly one of the flagship signings of the Carrick/Kieran Scott era at the Riverside Stadium after his highly impressive debut season that saw him make 39 appearances in all competitions last term.

Having chosen to sign for Boro over a collection of European giants such as Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Juventus and Ajax, the 20-year-old showed exactly why clubs of that ilk had been clamouring for his signature.

The Dutch youth international was asked to play predominantly out of position as a full-back during the earlier stages of last season, and still put in displays that instantly made him a hit with the Boro faithful.

With Middlesbrough having addressed the right-back spot with Luke Ayling, Van Den Berg has since slotted back into his natural centre-back role, and he's quickly established himself as one of the best in the Championship.

Premier League interest has already arrived for Van Den Berg since his move to Teesside, with Spurs being heavily linked to him. But for now, the young starlet appears committed to Middlesbrough, as his price tag only serves to increase as he continues to improve.

Sonny Finch

One of Middlesbrough's standout stars of pre-season with two goals, Sonny Finch is a player who has been threatening to establish himself in Boro's first team squad for some time.

Having been with Boro's academy since Under-14 level, the talent that the 19-year-old possesses has been of no secret to those within the club for many years, and fans have begun to see it recently too.

Signing a new long-term contract last summer, the England youth international has been in red-hot form in Boro's youth ranks over the last few years, and now appears ready to take his talents to senior level.

With Emmanuel Latte Lath's presence making it incredibly difficult for any budding striker to see regular game time at the Riverside at this moment, Finch may well be afforded the opportunity to head out on loan this summer.

But having already made five first team appearances for Middlesbrough, the teenager is a prospect who the club clearly have a lot of trust in as well as hope for the future, with a clear roadmap in place for him becoming Boro's striker of the future.

Harley Hunt

Signed from Swindon Town this summer in a deal worth up to £1.5m, Harley Hunt is a teenage defender who appears to have all the tools to go right to the top.

As an indication of his ability, Manchester City were understood to be interested in him prior to making the move to Middlesbrough. Fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa and Southampton were also reportedly battling out for his signature before he decided that Teesside would be the best place to further his development.

The 17-year-old made three first team appearances for Swindon last season, and looks to be a central defender who is mature beyond his fragile years both in stature, and in mind.

His potential is clear, as for Pep Guardiola to be taking an interest in him as a young player says a lot about the levels Hunt could reach in the future. It also indicates how much money he could net Middlesbrough in the future.

Law McCabe

A central midfielder who Middlesbrough are very excited about. Law McCabe is a player who appears to be someone that Boro view as a key part of their future, after signing a four-year contract with the club this summer.

The England youth international broke into Carrick's first team squad towards the end of last season, ending the 2023/24 campaign with four senior appearances to his name.

Boro-born, the 18-year-old is living the dream of all boyhood Middlesbrough supporters, with his journey taking him from taking part in camps and courses run by the club's charity, the MFC Foundation, to wearing the red and white shirt in front of thousands at the Riverside Stadium.

Carrick will no doubt take his time with the talented central midfielder, but it is hoped that he will establish himself in the first team in the not so distant future, and under the mentorship of the Boro boss, McCabe has the potential to develop into a top class player in the coming years.