"It's almost certain" - Pundit tips 27-year-old to leave Middlesbrough in January | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has given his view on midfielder Dan Barlaser's future at Middlesbrough amid his current lack of game time.

Pundit Carlton Palmer believes Middlesbrough midfielder Dan Barlaser is likely to leave the club during the January transfer window.

Barlaser joined Boro from Rotherham United in January 2023 for a reported fee of around £900,000, but he has found it tough at the Riverside Stadium.

The 27-year-old came in for criticism from supporters for his performances at times last season, and it looked as though his time at the club was coming to an end this summer after Turkish side Trabzonspor made an enquiry about a potential deal, but he remained on Teesside.

Despite the fact that Jonny Howson has been sidelined since August, Barlaser has made just six appearances in all competitions this season, with Michael Carrick selecting Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney ahead of him in central midfield.

Morris and Hackney have formed an impressive midfield partnership in recent weeks, and with Carrick revealing that Howson is set to make his return after the international break, Barlaser could be pushed further down the pecking order.

Carlton Palmer on Dan Barlaser's Middlesbrough future

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer admitted that Barlaser's exit in January is looking increasingly inevitable, and he predicted that Boro could receive around £1 million for the midfielder.

"Yes, I think it's almost certain that Dan Barlaser will push for an exit in the January transfer window," Palmer siad.

"He's barely featured and Jonny Howson is still to return.

"In the summer, Barlaser was linked with a move to Trabzonspor, and maybe he thought he was going to get some game time with Howson being out injured, but he's hardly featured.

"I would think the 27-year-old will be looking for an exit out of the football club.

"At his age, you want to play football and if you're not getting game time, it's better to move on, and that's both for the club and the player.

"The club can receive some money from your sale, they can get in the players they want to get in and strengthen the squad, and you can get out and get some game time.

"I'm sure he'll have a lot of interest in him, maybe Trabzonspor, who tried desperately to get him in the summer, will come back for him.

"It's been a disappointing time for him, he's only made 44 appearances for the Championship club during his 18 months at the Riverside, which has included just 29 starts.

"He signed a contract with Middlesbrough until the summer of 2026, so I think a January move for him is most definitely on the cards.

"I think Middlesbrough would get £1 million, which would be good business so they can bring in the players they want, and he can get on and play."

Dan Barlaser's Middlesbrough exit would be best for both parties

After his strong performances at Rotherham, Barlaser looked to be an excellent signing for Boro, but his time at the Riverside Stadium has been disappointing.

Barlaser has not been helped by the fierce competition for places in midfield, but he has failed to take his opportunity whenever he has been given a start by Carrick, and he has struggled to win over Boro supporters.

Morris and Hackney have nailed down their places in recent weeks, which has made it tough for Barlaser to break into the team, and it is difficult to see him getting any minutes at all once Howson returns to fitness.

Having paid around £900,000 for Barlaser, Boro will be hoping to recoup that amount or make a small profit on the midfielder, and they will likely sanction his departure in January if they receive a suitable offer.