Rob Edwards must target swift reunion with Luton Town man at Middlesbrough in transfer coup | OneFootball

Rob Edwards must strengthen Middlesbrough's defence this summer, and a move for former player Teden Mengi at Luton would make sense.

Rob Edwards has started life as Middlesbrough manager, as he looks to build on the progress the club made under Michael Carrick.

Whilst Boro couldn’t take that next step by winning promotion under the former Man Utd coach, he does leave behind a talented squad that is capable of mixing it with the best the Championship has to offer on their day.

Edwards will hope to improve the current group with his coaching, although he will also recognise that new players are needed to make Boro a force next season.

Middlesbrough need defensive additions ahead of the 2025/26 season

And, it won’t take long for the new boss to recognise that Boro must target new defenders.

In the previous campaign, the Teesside outfit were joint-fourth in the league for goals scored. Yet, they ranked 11th when it came to goals conceded, with Coventry the only side above Boro in the table to concede more.

Carrick will no doubt point to injuries as a reason for that, as he was robbed of key defensive figures throughout the season, but the reality is that they lack quality and depth across the back four.

Rob Edwards should look to bring Teden Mengi to Middlesbrough

So, Edwards and the recruitment team will be working on addressing that, and reuniting with Teden Mengi is something the head coach should be pushing for.

The Man Utd academy graduate was brought to Luton by the Boro chief, and it was a shrewd bit of business - at least at first.

Mengi was a standout performer for the Hatters as they battled to stay in the Premier League, and the way he handled some top strikers caught the eye.

Unfortunately, the 23-year-old had injury issues last season, and he failed to get into the right rhythm on a consistent basis as Luton suffered another relegation.

However, that will make a transfer easier, and Mengi will no doubt be pushing to leave this summer as he won’t want to play in League One.

Teden Mengi can help implement Rob Edwards’ tactical approach at Middlesbrough

Boro fans will have been excited with Edwards’ first words since his appointment, as he spoke about creating a team that plays fast, dynamic football.

He regularly spoke about wanting his side to be ‘aggressive’ with the way they try to win the ball back, and to hunt the opposition down with intensity.

To do that, you need to play a high line, and that means bringing in defenders who can cope with that style - which Mengi can.

He boasts excellent recovery pace, and he is willing to engage high up the pitch. Of course, that comes with risks, but it’s a modern way of playing, and it appeals to Edwards.

Mengi is also assured on the ball, and he can do the basics. In terms of raw ability, he has all the tools, but the problem for the player has been staying fit, and showing what he can do week in, week out.

He also fits the profile of players that Middlesbrough have targeted in that sense, as they have regularly gone for youngsters who have yet to find their way in the game, with Morgan Rogers the standout success story in recent times.

So, this is a potential signing that ticks a lot of boxes for Boro, and Edwards should be doing all he can to reunite with Mengi in the north-east.