Where did we finish? A hairs hair's breadth away from promotion and with some fantastic loan signings that we would be remiss not to try and and retain re-employ.
Zach Steffen - he said he would not be returning to Manchester City, suggesting that perhaps we would sign him permanently should we be promoted. Injured until September perhaps if we were to go back in to secure a deal.. a loan to purchase perhaps? Sol Brynn certainly impressed on loan and it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to see Brynn and Roberts start the season fighting for the number one shirt. In Middlesbrough Zach Steffen has a solid platform from which to build a possible premier league career from.
Alternate: - Caoimhín Kelleher - Liverpool - Loan
Ryan Giles - Wolves were contemplating holding onto Ryan should they have been relegated from the premier league. This did not happen and suggests than Ryan’s future lies beyond Wolverhampton Wanderers next season. An extremely effective player for us last season.. a permanent deal I think would suit all parties.
Alternate: - Ryan Manning - Swansea - Free Agent
Alex Mowett - a slow start returning from injury last season, didn’t seem to out a foot wrong once called upon and impressed towards the back end of the season. I could see West Brom wanting to retain his services next season. Possibly a move away on the cards if it means more guaranteed game time.
Alternate: - Ethan Galbraith - Man Utd - Free Agent
Aaron Ramsey - an absolute talent whose progress has been hampered by injuries another loan may well be on the cards, I doubt Aston Villa would want to let him go permanently without seeing his potential explored further. Surely we are front of the queen for another loan.. unless Leicester or Leeds blow us out of the water.
Alternate: - Jesurun Rak-Sakyi - Crystal Palace - Loan
Cameron Archer - the jewel in the crown, an absolute outstanding half season with Middlesbrough, not seen to be in Unai Emery’s plans with further reinforcements on the way. A permanent move away looks the most likely.. whether we have the funds to make that happen on more importantly if the player himself sees Middlesbrough as part of his progression route.
Alternate - Joel Piroe - Swansea - £££
Rodrigo Muniz - the fairytale signing that just didn’t work out after all the twist and turns of a dramatic soap opera. An old fashioned English style number nine yet to hit the ground running. Another loan seems less likely, perhaps his future lies away from England for the time being.
Alternate: - Josh Coburn - Middlesbrough - Maybe
Currently squad players looking for more game time, us looking to cash in on underused assets and of course the next big thing on the academy production line could be ready to drop..
Jeremy Sivi playing in the U23s as a striker of late
Bryant Bilongo impressing every time I see him (personal favourite)
Sonny Finch, Fenton John, Pharell Wills, Kamil Conteh.. Terrell Agyemang?
Hollywood returns, the hero’s journey, the story arc of redemption.. could we see Hayden Hackney or Martin Payero make an unlikely return to the spotlight? Chuba Akpom has opened our eyes to the possibility of a complete turnaround. The underdog, the unlikely lad.. I think our big signing of the summer will be a striker.. we’ve been teasing for so long and gearing up. Massively under wraps, but they might not be too far from home.
Consistency, continual improvement.. it might be a very fruitful summer. Although perhaps not as unusual and unexpected as we have seen before. Bring on the boring!
