After Michael Carrick joined the team, Boro improved and finished fourth, securing a play-off spot. However, the rest of the season was filled with sadness.

Boro’s opponent in the semi-finals was Coventry City, who they had finished one spot ahead of in the league standings. Nevertheless, the Sky Blues prevailed over the two legs and went on to Wembley, while Michael Carrick had to start again.

Carrick’s first summer transfer window was, of course, this one, and the Boro manager made the most of it.

Twelve new players were brought to Riverside Stadium, as you can see above, in a combination of loan and permanent agreements. However, one of those names in particular has shown to be a valuable asset for the team. Of course, we are referring to Rav van den Berg.

The youthful Dutch defender signed a contract early in the summer at Riverside Stadium. On July 6, 2023, Middlesbrough announced his signing, defeating rivals AC Milan, Roma, and Borussia Dortmund for his signature.

The 18-year-old center defender signed a four-year contract with the Riverside that would keep him there until 2027 for an unknown sum.