“The £2m mark would be fair” - Middlesbrough facing transfer dilemma amid European interest | OneFootball

Middlesbrough midfielder Dan Barlaser is attracting interest from Trabzonspor in this summer transfer window.

This article is part of Football League World’s 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough’s Dan Barlaser is the subject of serious interest from Trabzonspor, as the midfielder faces up to an uncertain future at the Riverside Stadium.

The 27-year-old joined Boro from Rotherham in the January window back in 2023, and he has gone on to make 45 appearances in the past 18 months.

Barlaser featured regularly under Michael Carrick last season, although an injury to Hayden Hackney helped on that front, as Boro fell short in their quest to make it successive top six finishes.

Middlesbrough midfielder Dan Barlaser on Trabzonspor radar

Even though he remains an important part of the squad, it appears Barlaser could be on the move this summer, as reports have claimed that Trabzonspor have made an enquiry for the player.

The chance to move to Turkey, the national Barlaser represented as a youngster, is sure to appeal, particularly as Trabzonpsor will be in Europe next season.

With that in mind, few saw this potential move being on the cards, but Boro fan pundit Phil Spencer told FLW that he understands why Barlaser is attracting attention, as he discussed his ability.

“I wouldn’t say I was surprised that there’s interest in Barlaser. He’s a player that Michael Carrick trusts a lot, he’s played a lot of football for Middlesbrough over the course of the last campaign," Phil told Football League World.

“If you look at his statistics, he is someone who has played at a consistently high level. If you look at his passing game, his expected assists and passes into the final third.

“The fans aren’t completely sold on him though, and the feeling going into next season is that Middlesbrough are going to be looking at really kicking on after missing out on the top six.

“To upgrade the squad and have a team that is capable of challenging at the top, there is a need to make sure we have quality in every position on the pitch. When everyone’s fit Jonny Howson and Hayden Hackney are the first choice midfield pairing, although I know there are limitations to the number of games Howson can play due to his age.”

Phil also explained how the competition for places, with the likely arrival of Aidan Morris from Columbus Crew, means Barlaser may not feature as prominently in Carrick’s thinking as he has done in the past.

“Barlaser fits into that middle ground, as he’s not a young lad who’s developing, he’s just a solid, stable, reliable midfield option," Phil added.

"But should Aidan Morris sign, which is expected to happen, it raises questions over Barlaser’s future.

“That could put him fourth choice, and maybe even fifth choice due to the youngster Law McCabe, who is expected to go on to do big things. So, Barlaser could fall down the pecking order under Carrick.

“As far as his future is concerned, I don’t think he’s someone the club will actively look to get rid of. He would certainly contribute next season, but if there is a suitable offer, the club will consider it.

“Trabzonspor would be a great move for him. His Dad is Turkish, so there’s a connection there which might make a transition easier.

"Given his age, at 27, it might be the sort of fresh challenge that he’s looking for in his career. It’s an interesting one, and one to watch, and I think if the fee is right Middlesbrough will be open to it.

“I could certainly see it happening, and a fee around the £2 million mark would be fair for someone like Barlaser.”

Trabzonspor, Dan Barlaser deal could suit all parties

Following on from that, a deal could be one that suits all parties. Firstly, for Barlaser, it gives him the opportunity to try a new league and to compete in Europe.

Then, for Boro, they would be getting a fee for a player who is unlikely to be in their best XI, and with Morris arriving, they can use that money to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Ultimately, the finances play a big part, but if the right offer is submitted to Boro, it wouldn’t be a shock if they did agree to let Barlaser make the move to Turkey.