Though Middlesbrough might not benefit from Ben Doak's talent again this season, they are hoping they can reap the rewards from the Liverpool star's success at the Riverside.
While Boro prefer not to use the loan market as much, there are times where it makes sense - with the quality Doak added this season an obvious example of where Boro can use the loan market to improve their squad with ability they couldn't afford to sign permanently.
For Liverpool, even if they do decide to sell the Scotland star this summer - with numerous clubs interested - the loan has ultimately proven a success. Doak has undoubtedly grown as a player under the coaching of Michael Carrick.
He isn't alone either. Numerous younger players have come to the Riverside in recent years, either on loan or permanently, and become better players as a result. And while Carrick has always expressed the need for a balance in the age of the squad, he's hoping whether it be for loans or permanent signings, Boro's track record of developing young players will help them in the summer transfer market.
On the loan move and if it might benefit Boro in the long run, Carrick said: “Maybe it can. He’s had a really good time here, Ben. It was a good fit from the start, in terms of his position and how we played. The way he receives the ball and how he wants it, I think it was just a good fit.
“You can see he has improved a lot as a player as well, and had success with Scotland. So I think that side of things, he’s definitely developed and it’s been a good experience for him. We’ll see what’s next for him. Hopefully we can get him back, but we’ll just have to see.
“Come the summer, who knows? We’ve done alright with bringing players in and trying to improve. We want to use that going forward to continue improving the team. Hopefully the success of players like Ben and Morgan [Rogers] will have an impact. We like to sign young players to develop them, whether that’s permanent or on loan, if it’s the right fit.
“We’ve got to make sure it works for us as well and makes us stronger. There’s definitely two sides to it, but I do enjoy helping the boys and developing them, seeing them grow and becoming better players. Hopefully most of the time that is with us.”