Middlesbrough are keen to bolster their squad this summer and are weighing up a move for former player Ryan Giles, who is currently on loan at promotion rivals Hull City, according to reports.
Giles moved to the Riverside Stadium in the summer of 2022 and made a lasting impression on the Boro faithful, particularly once Michael Carrick took the reins early into the 2022/23 season. The fullback made 48 appearances in all competitions for the Teesside outfit before eventually moving to then-newly-promoted Premier League side Luton Town last summer on a permanent basis.
Key Middlesbrough Man Expected To Join European Giants Pending Fee
However, after failing to receive much game-time in the English top-flight, the Hatters sent the 24-year-old out on loan to Hull City in January, who were making a push for promotion. The loan deal included a £4 million obligation-to-buy clause as the Tigers splashed the cash during the winter market in an attempt to finish inside the play-offs.
Unfortunately, the Yorkshire side fell short as Liam Rosenior’s men ended up in seventh place on the final day, three points behind Norwich City in the final play-off spot and the head coach was relieved of his duties, striking uncertainty into Giles’ future at the MKM Stadium.
Teesside Live are reporting that Giles is keen to return to Middlesbrough this summer, where he played arguably the best football of his career. Nevertheless, the outlet are claiming that Boro will not look to pay £4 million for his signature and, instead, are hoping to secure a loan deal for the former Coventry City star. It has been said that Boro may see Hull’s potential financial fair play problems as an opportunity to capitalise in the transfer market.
Writer’s View
Lukas Engel has been Carrick’s primary left-back at Middlesbrough this season but re-signing Giles, even just on a one-year loan, would offer the Danish defender some much-needed competition over on that side but would also provide cover in this position.
Giles is a player that Carrick and a lot of the players at the Riverside Stadium know very well but the last 12 months certainly didn’t go to plan for him, so perhaps a return to Boro may help him get back on track.
Deputy Head of Writing
