Middlesbrough could fill Morgan Rogers void by beating Leeds to ex-Celtic man: View | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have a lot of work to do if they are going to get into this season’s Championship play-offs.

Boro surprised many last season, as they went from a bottom-half side to a play-off contender in a matter of months since Michael Carrick arrived at the club.

Carrick eventually guided the club to the play-off semi-finals, so heading into this campaign, there was expectation on the shoulders of Middlesbrough.

However, Boro have been unable to reach last season’s heights and look a long way off securing a place in the top six.

It has been a difficult season for the club, and the change of players is likely not going to have helped, as Boro lost Chuba Akpom in the summer and then lost Morgan Rogers just six months after joining the club, as Aston Villa came calling.

Middlesbrough were unable to replace Rogers, and that has had a massive impact on their second half of the season, but news emerging of their interest in Karamoko Dembele could potentially spell their end in search of Rogers’ replacement.

Middlesbrough are one of a number of teams interested in signing former Celtic star Karamoko Dembele, as reported by HITC.

Dembele broke onto the scene at 13 years old, when clips were going around on social media of him dancing around defenders for Celtic’s under-20s.

Now at 21, Dembele has spent the season on loan at League One side Blackpool, where he has impressed as the Seasiders push for a League One play-off spot.

This report states that as well as Boro being interested in the winger, Premier League teams such as West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Wolves, and Everton are also keeping an eye on the player.

While Championship teams Leicester City, Leeds United, and Southampton are also keen on the player, but it will be down to what French side Stade Brestois plan to do with the player, as he's been on their books since joining from Celtic in 2022.

Karamoko Dembele could fill Morgan Rogers void for Middlesbrough

As previously mentioned, Middlesbrough were unable to keep hold of Morgan Rogers in the January transfer window.

So his departure left a big hole in the club’s starting XI, and while they brought in Finn Azaz from Plymouth Argyle, he has been unable to fill that void. Therefore, Middlesbrough will likely see that area of the team as a priority in the summer, so it comes as no surprise to see them potentially looking at someone like Karamoko Dembele.

The 21-year-old has shown his versatility during his short career so far, as he’s been able to play out wide, which is his preferred position, and he has also proven to be able to play in a number 10 role.

Therefore, he has made himself a player that would be ideal for Middlesbrough, as he can operate in a number of positions which Carrick would love to have on board.

Dembele has struggled in first-team football when given chances, but this season he has really excelled with Blackpool.

The winger has started 23 of the 32 games he has played in the league, scoring six goals in the process, with one coming every 350 minutes of football, as per Sofascore.com.

Dembele has imposed himself well into the Blackpool team, as he’s been named in the team of the week five times and has been key in creating chances for his teammates.

The former Celtic man has created 15 big chances for his teammates, which has led to him collecting 1.9 key passes and 10 assists, per Sofascore.com.

Dembele has really excelled at Blackpool, but Stade Brestois, who is Dembele’s parent club, have only just signed the player in 2022, so it will be down to them what they plan to do with the player.

The 21-year-old is contracted to the French club until 2026, but given all these sides are said to be interested in the player, it seems a move in the summer looks likely.

Middlesbrough will have a battle on their hands to win his signature, but there is no reason why they shouldn’t pursue a move, and given his versatility and natural ability, he looks to be a player that would excel under the management of Michael Carrick.