Michael Carrick has downplayed recent transfer speculation surrounding Emmanuel Latte Lath after the striker’s agent suggested a potential move in January.
The Middlesbrough manager reaffirmed the club’s stance amidst growing interest in their in-form players, with Boro continuing to push for a Premier League return.
Agent Sparks Speculation
Latte Lath’s agent, Matthias Veneroso, indicated in an interview this week that he “expects something to happen” during the upcoming transfer window. The statement has fueled speculation, with reports linking the Ivorian striker to clubs like West Ham and Ipswich Town, both of whom are reportedly seeking attacking reinforcements.
This comes after a standout period for Latte Lath, who scored his eighth goal of the season in Middlesbrough’s 1-0 win over Millwall, propelling the team into the Championship’s top six. The forward, who has shared striking duties with Tommy Smith, has grown into his role following a slower start to the season.
Carrick Reaffirms Stability
Asked about the agent’s comments, Carrick brushed off the rumours, asserting that nothing has changed from the club’s perspective. He said:
“Nothing has changed from our point of view. We’re in a good place. We have a good group, good squad, and good team. Manu has played well when he’s played. He’s shared it with Tommy, and both have done pretty well. We’re happy with how things are.”
Carrick also highlighted the club’s determination to emerge from January stronger: “We want to come out of January as strong, if not stronger, than we’re going into it. We’ll do everything we can to do that.”
Summer Resilience Pays Off
In the summer, Boro resisted a £20 million bid from Ipswich Town for Latte Lath, reflecting their commitment to retaining key players. Despite financial pressures common in the Championship, club owner Steve Gibson maintained a hardline stance on departures, ensuring no major exits hindered the team’s promotion aspirations.
While Carrick acknowledged the realities of competing with wealthier clubs, he emphasised the club’s ambition:
“There’s a realism about it, but certainly for us, we’re pushing and striving to improve as a group. With Manu and Tommy, we have really good options.”
Writer’s View
Latte Lath’s performances have made him a pivotal figure in Middlesbrough’s campaign, and his potential departure would undoubtedly be a blow. However, Carrick’s calm response reflects a club confident in its direction. With promotion ambitions and a cohesive squad, Boro seem well-placed to navigate the January window while fending off unwanted distractions.
