Despite looking set to miss out on Chuba Akpom, Middlesbrough could ease their striker woes by turning towards one former player who is currently in the Premier League.
Ahead of the 2025/26 Championship season, which starts in less than a week, Middlesbrough are keen to add a striker to their ranks.
Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards wants the club to indulge in the transfer window even more, and whilst Tommy Conway could step up this season as a forward, a wealth of options in the forward line would be highly beneficial for the Boro gaffer.
Despite looking set to join Birmingham City, Middlesbrough attempted a late push for Chuba Akpom, but it seems as though such efforts were unsuccessful, with the Blues looking highly likely to snap up the former Boro forward.
Edwards will feel as though the club are back to square one as they look to sign a striker, however, they could ignite interest in one former star who will be keen to move away from the Premier League.
Sam Greenwood of Middlesbrough looks on
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Middlesbrough should target Sam Greenwood after missing out on Chuba Akpom
Having shown a desire to sign a striker this summer, Rob Edwards and Middlesbrough could turn towards Sam Greenwood as a viable option instead of Chuba Akpom.
Greenwood, 23, is highly unlikely to be part of Daniel Farke’s plans at Leeds United following their promotion to the Premier League, meaning that a third successive loan away from Elland Road in as many seasons could be on the cards.
In the 2024/25 Championship campaign, Greenwood played for Preston North End, where he bagged five goals and notched three assists in 38 appearances – an identical record ton the campaign prior with Middlesbrough, but with one game more.
Greenwood is likely to be available on loan for the final year of his contract, which Leeds will be unlikely to renew.
Michael Carrick, Manager of Middlesbrough
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images
What Michael Carrick said about Sam Greenwood
When looking at strikers to sign this summer, Middlesbrough have the assurance that Sam Greenwood has Championship experience and was able to record respectable numbers at the Riverside Stadium.
Whilst Michael Carrick is no longer in the dug-out at Middlesbrough, he was still a huge fan of Greenwood, something that Rob Edwards would certainly take on as the former Boro boss’ successor.
“Sam has been great,” said Carrick via the Yorkshire Post. He trains unbelievably well, really enjoys it here. You can see that. Yeah, of course, he’d like to have played more over the last week or so but he’s important for us, he’s had a big impact and he’s played a big part in what we’ve done, and he will continue to do that.”