Luke Ayling’s signing this week, according to Michael Carrick, indicates that Middlesbrough is prepared to have a flexible stance when it comes to the transfer market.
Ayling, who signed a loan from Leeds United to join Boro on Wednesday, is expected to start in the starting lineup for tomorrow’s Championship match against Millwall.
Over the last few years, the Teessiders have been refining their transfer strategy under the direction of head of football Kieran Scott. This approach has seen them place a greater emphasis on acquiring young, relatively untested players who have significant development potential.
Ayling, who is 32 years old, barely fits that mould, but his lack of experience might be advantageous in the second part of the season, and his versatility in playing at both centre half and right back benefits Boro greatly considering their continuous problems with injuries at both positions.
According to Carrick, Scott has consistently stated that he is willing to deviate from the recommended model when necessary, and this week’s events seem to confirm that he keeps his word.
“You need to strike a balance,” the Boro manager remarked. “Kieran, Neil Bausor, and Steve Gibson deserve praise for that. They have a strategy, but they also have an open mind.
“We know how we want to construct the team, squad, and club in the long run. However, there are times when you need to strike the correct balance. We currently believe Luke is the best candidate for the position we needed to fill. It matters in light of his personality and background. He is undoubtedly an example to the younger lads, as are they.
After spending the first half of the season on loan at Plymouth Argyle, offensive midfielder Finn Azaz completed a permanent deal with Aston Villa, and Ayling follows him through the front door at Rockliffe Hall.
Instead of waiting until the last minute to try to bolster their roster, Boro deserves credit for landing two of their top targets in the first 10 days of the transfer window.
Now that Emmanuel Latte Lath has suffered another injury setback, attention will turn to the forward positions. Josh Coburn, who played for more than 90 minutes on Tuesday night after experiencing his own injury setbacks in the previous two months, will almost certainly have to start at the Den this weekend.
Signing another forward would seem to be essential this month, although Carrick is adamant he does not want to bring someone in just to increase the attacking numbers at his disposal.
“We have to be careful now,” he said. “We don’t want to make signings with just the next week or two in mind. We make the signings for the right reasons and for the longer term.
“Sometimes, you’re thinking to just the end of the season, sometimes it’s beyond that even. We feel we’ve got good options and we’re flexible as well – there are players who can play in numerous positions to accommodate what we need.
“That can be a real strength. That’s not to say we’re not still trill trying to improve the group. You’ve always got to look to do that. But it just depends what pops up and whether we can deal with what’s ahead. But, for sure, at the moment, we can make it work.”
Ayling’s arrival should help defensively, with the Londoner having made almost 550 senior appearances and having been a regular starter for Leeds for the first two months of this season.
“We’re delighted to have Luke,” said Carrick. “He’s proven at this level and Premier League level. He’s experienced a lot and knows what it takes to be successful.
“We’re delighted for different reasons – his character, his attitude as a person and how he carries himself. He’s going to be a big asset for us, with his quality as well. It’s a big boost to the squad and the team.
“I’ve looked from afar and admired him from afar for quite some time. I’ve played against him a couple of times as well. When the opportunity came, we jumped at the chance.”
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