Middlesbrough Football Club is overseeing major changes as the January transfer window closes, with both defender Matt Clarke and midfielder Dan Barlaser set to leave the club. The impending transfers mark significant steps in the club's strategy to restructure its squad and address player performance issues.
Matt Clarke, who has been with Middlesbrough for two and a half years, is reportedly joining Derby County on loan until the end of the season. This transfer sees Clarke returning to a familiar ground, having previously enjoyed success on loan at Pride Park, where he won the club's Player of the Year award during his first season there. Despite making 17 appearances for Boro this season, he found himself falling behind other players in the pecking order, which prompted him to seek more consistent game time.
Clarke expressed his joy about returning to Derby, saying, "It feels really good. I was over the moon. I suppose it shows how much I've enjoyed being here, and I suppose from the club's point of view, obviously you've done something right, and it wouldn't keep bringing me back." His move was facilitated by Derby's current defensive needs and justified by the mutual benefits for both player and club. With Curtis Nelson injured and Eiran Cashin potentially leaving for Brighton, Derby was eager to reinforce its defense.
On the other hand, Dan Barlaser's future at Middlesbrough remains uncertain as he attracts attention from Derby. Although this deal is not as advanced as Clarke's, the player previously worked with Derby’s manager Paul Warne at Rotherham United, making his connection to the Rams substantial. Middlesbrough is reportedly open to allowing Barlaser to leave this transfer window, which would provide both financial relief and opportunities for others within the squad.
With both players featuring minimally in recent matchday squads, their departures represent Middlesbrough’s focus on optimizing the squad prior to the end of the transfer window, which is scheduled to close on January 28, 2025, at 11 PM. Manager Michael Carrick's strategy seems to be aligned with ensuring the team remains competitive, as he has brought new talent like Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argyle.
The impending changes come at a pivotal time for Middlesbrough, which is gearing up for matches like the upcoming home game against Sunderland. The club appears committed to reshaping the squad and enhancing the team’s performance through strategic transfers.
Overall, the decisions to move on from Clarke and possibly Barlaser reflect Middlesbrough's intention to address their performance gaps and focus on the future. These transfers are indicative of the club's desire to not only streamline the squad but also to pave the way for new talent to join and make impactful contributions, as they aim to revitalize their push for success this season.