“A player they can earn a profit from” – Middlesbrough eye in-demand midfielder: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough have been linked with FC Luzern defensive midfielder Ardon Jashari.

A report from Sky Sports named the Championship club as a potential suitor, alongside a host of other teams, and though there have been suggestions since that he’s likely to stay where he is, the 20-year-old appears to be on the Teessiders’ radar.

So would he be a good signing? And do they need him?

We quizzed our FLW writers…

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Jason Steele

Barnsley Wigan Athletic Hull City Brighton and Hove Albion

Ned Holmes

Middlesbrough need to think about a succession plan for Jonny Howson and Ardon Jashari could be just that.

The FC Luzern midfielder’s links to some big European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, highlight what an exciting talent he is so it would be quite the move if the Teessiders can pull it off.

Given what he accomplished in that position as a player, Michael Carrick will know what he’s looking for in a holding midfielder and Boro should trust his judgment.

It looks as though it could be a costly deal to get done but the interest in him suggests his value is only likely to grow as he continues to develop, which would make it a sound investment.

That said, I don’t think Dan Barlaser is a bad alternative right now.

Recording four assists in 15 league appearances this season, the central midfielder could be an asset both defensively and going forward, potentially making him an ideal long-term successor for Jonny Howson.

At 20, he will only get better too so this could end up being a smart signing, with Boro potentially able to sell him on for a sizeable amount in the future.

They will need to buy players for a small amount and sell them for a lot more if they want to keep spending in the transfer market and continue abiding by the EFL’s financial rules, so this is the sort of signing they should be looking to make.

Hayden Hackney may suffer if he plays too much and with Matt Crooks being utilised up top, having someone like Jashari at their disposal will be useful.

Justin Peach

Middlesbrough most used midfield duo under Michael Carrick has been Hayden Hackney and Jonny Howson.

Since Carrick’s change to a 4-2-3-1, it has given greater emphasis on the need for more defensive cover in the midfield and with Matt Crooks unlikely to fill that void, it makes sense to a player with the necessary attributes who can.

They have Paddy McNair and Alex Mowatt, but are lacking a player with the mindset of ‘defend first’ which Jashari will provide.

At 20 years old, there’s plenty of room to develop giving Boro a player they can earn a profit from in the future, increasing the club’s value.

Having made 17 appearances so far this season for FC Luzern, he’s already been given the responsibility in the team which will no doubt stand him in good stead should he make a move to the Riverside.

Not only that, but they will need a long-term successor to Howson, who is in the twilight years of his career, so investing in a player with plenty of time on his side makes complete sense for the club.