Middlesbrough will head into the January transfer window relaxed but poised to strike if the right opportunities open up to them - with Michael Carrick keen to protect the strong squad dynamic above all else.
Less than a month away from the opening of the winter window, Boro head into it in a rather unique and welcome position. After such positive work over recent transfer windows, Boro's current squad is at its maximum as far as the EFL's registration rules are concerned - which restrict clubs to a maximum of 25 players over the age of 21 (players on loan must be registered too).
With form strong and depth throughout the squad balanced well, there is no desperation at Boro heading into the window; no obvious gaps that need plugging. As is always the case, however, they'll go into it open-minded and prepared to do deals where necesary, or react to unexpected scenarios such as the one they faced last year when Aston Villa unexpectedly came in for Morgan Rogers.
If the right opportunity presented itself to Boro next month then there are ways in which Boro could work around their current squad-size issue. Alex Gilbert is an obvious candidate for a loan to free up a spot in Carrick's squad, while sales could be considered for so-called fringe players if any good opportunities to strengthen cropped up. The unpredictable nature of the January transfer window means Boro will leave making such definitive decisions until closer to the time.
Villa starlet Louie Barry was recently linked to the club amid stunning form during his Stockport loan this season, with the Midlands club expected to recall him next month and look for a Championship loan instead. While he is a player Boro have watched and do like, he's not believed to be a player they have decided to definitely pursue next month as yet. They're well-stocked at left wing currently and would need to find a gap in their squad - of which a potential (albeit unlikely) loan exit for Micah Hamilton wouldn't help because the former Man City man qualified as an under-21 player this season.
Boro will of course be well aware that their key players could be targeted by Premier League clubs - with Emmanuel Latte Lath already linked to West Ham after a rejected bid from Ipswich Town in the summer. Rav van den Berg and Hayden Hackney also attracted interest in the summer.
As was the case then, Boro's stance is believed to remain unchanged as far as wanting to keep those kind of players at the club. There's a real belief within the club that there remains a good chance to achieve promotion this season. As ever though, the recruitment team have been hard at work to ensure that should any unexpected offers that prove too good to turn down arrive, they will have options to turn to in any eventuality.
But the dynamics of the squad are improtant to Carrick as well, and the least disruptive January of all would be one in which nothing changed in his squad at all. Particularly as they've shown growth throughout the season, there's genuine belief that they can continue improving as the campaign progresses.
Making that point when looking ahead to January this week, the Boro boss said: “I’ve said it for some time; as a group I think we’re very balanced and have a really good variety. Good variety of experience and younger players as well as variety positionally. I think we’re in a good place with that, and we’ve had to be able to weather certain moments throughout the season.
"It’s something we continue to discuss and get a gauge for what it might look like. But there are always decisions to be made in January. At the moment, I’m really happy… I’m delighted actually, with the squad we’ve got and the way the boys are coping with it.
"I think the dynamics of the group are vital and for everyone to feel there is a real purpose to the work they put in and purpose to their importance to the group. I do think you can have too many. Whatever too many is, we’ll gauge that. But certainly, you can have too many options. You can have not enough as well, and that’s the trick to getting the balance right.
"But getting the dynamics right in the group, and blending the different characters and personalities, to make sure everyone is pulling in the right direction is hugely important and something I was used to, especially at United. Being part of a group and sharing the load and getting a level of success through playing for each other and working for each other. That’s something of late that’s shone through for me here, and it’s something I’m really pleased about.”