3 soon-to-be free agents that Middlesbrough should consider this summer

Boro did some impressive business in January but we can expect the upcoming window to be even busier as Wilder looks to make the most of his first summer at the Riverside.

The signing of Riley McGree has highlighted that they won’t be afraid to splash the cash when necessary but the Teessiders would also be wise to look to the free agent market as well, with some talented players set to be out of contract in the summer.

With that in mind, here are three soon-to-be free agents that Boro should consider…

Tom Lawrence 

With Flo Balogun and Aaron Connolly set to return to their respective parent clubs in the summer, adding more forward firepower is likely to be high on Wilder’s list of priorities.

One player that could help him do that is Tom Lawrence, who has enjoyed an impressive season at Derby County but is out of contract in the summer.

The Rams are on course to be relegated to League One and it is hard to see the Wales international wanting to play at that level in 2022/23 so Boro should offer him a route back to the second tier.

He’s a proven goalscorer and creator at Championship level and should suit playing as part of the front two in the 3-5-2 formation that Wilder has preferred this season while he could also function as an attacking midfielder.

Football League World understands that Brighton, Norwich City, and West Bromwich Albion are all keen but that shouldn’t put the Teessiders off.

While Isaiah Jones has thrived on the right flank this season, left wing-back is a position that Boro will want to strengthen in this summer.

Neil Taylor has been a useful stopgap but the North East club could certainly improve on the 33-year-old while there are question marks over whether Marc Bola is up to the task.

Jeremie Bela