Middlesbrough could rue Josh Coburn transfer decision as Millwall lurk: View | OneFootball

Josh Coburn was outstanding against Leeds United, and if he moves to Millwall, Michael Carrick might come to regret letting him go.

Middlesbrough will be hoping that 2024-25 is the season that Michael Carrick builds on the promise that he has shown as a young manager and guides the Teessiders back to the Premier League.

So far, Boro have managed three points from a possible six, with an impressive opening day victory against Swansea City being cancelled out by a disappointing defeat away at Derby County.

Inbetween those results, a midweek EFL Cup drubbing of Leeds United took place, with Boro running out 3-0 winners at Elland Road to the surprise of many.

And in that rout of the Whites last Wednesday, striker Josh Coburn was a particular standout amid a host of great performances, as he consistently troubled the Leeds defence.

The Boro academy graduate's hard work was eventually rewarded as he netted the third goal of the match, and he also provided a beautiful assist for Delano Burgzorg's goal that put Boro 2-0 up earlier on in the contest.

However, in the league, he has managed just five minutes of action so far this term and, with Millwallinterested in signing the 21-year-old, he could he be on his way out of the Riverside Stadium before the August 30 transfer deadline.

If he does depart, Carrick and the Boro board could come to rue that decision as Coburn has shown enough promise to earn himself a regular spot.

Middlesbrough's striker depth could see Josh Coburn less needed by Michael Carrick

The largest concern for Coburn's future at Middlesbrough will be the strikers that are ahead of him in the pecking order.

Emannuel Latte Lath has certified himself as Carrick's leader at the top of the pitch after he netted 16 in 30 Championship games last term following his move from Atalanta.

Past this, Coburn only had Marcus Forss to contend with previously, but Tommy Conway's arrival in the North East could spell an end for the youngster on Teesside.

Having signed Conway for a reported £4.5 million from Bristol City, it is just not feasible that Carrick will use the Scotland international as a third-choice striker.

For that reason, the former Bristol Rovers loanee could be shown the door as he is an extremely sellable asset at 21 years of age.

With Forss currently injured, not many sides would entertain the idea of signing the Finnish forward, and that makes Coburn the next-best option.

Additionally, the young striker is at a stage in his career where he's eager for regular starts.

Millwall could be the side that offers him this opportunity for consistent game-time, even after landing Macaulay Langstaff, and it would be hard to turn that potential move down given his lack of minutes at the Riverside.

Middlesbrough could regret letting Josh Coburn leave if sale is sanctioned

Having placed himself in the spotlight in the 2021-22 season with an FA Cup extra time winner over Tottenham Hotspur, many would have foreseen Coburn as a future Boro star.

Unfortunately, the striker hasn't cemented this promise as yet, but if he does depart, the Boro hierarchy could yet regret letting him leave.

At present, there would be concerns if Latte Lath were to get injured again, as that would leave them with just Conway and a currently injured Forss. This is very conceivable, given the Ivory Coast striker has had injury scares in each of his last three seasons in football.

Outside of that and looking to the future, Coburn is a player who still holds a great deal of potential. Having made his debut at the age of 18 in 2021, he has been around the Middlesbrough side for several years but has never been a firm fixture.

Coburn's finishing ability can be top level, and he could develop a player who will score goals regularly in the Championship. This, combined with his stature and height, make him an ideal striker for sides looking for a finisher, so he could be a hit at Millwall.

Only time will tell, but if he departs Middlesbrough, it could be a decision they regret for years to come.