Middlesbrough have officially confirmed the acquisition of Luke Thomas on a short-term loan from Leicester City. The decision to bring in Thomas reflects Middlesbrough’s recent challenges with injuries, particularly in their defensive lineup. Players such as Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith, Paddy McNair, and Alex Bangura have been sidelined, prompting Boro to take steps to address these issues during the January transfer window.
Following the successful loan acquisition of Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling, Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough has promptly addressed their left-back shortage by announcing the arrival of Leicester City’s Thomas on loan until the end of the season.
Thomas, who was on loan at Sheffield United in the Premier League, was recalled due to limited playing time. The 22-year-old has already joined his Middlesbrough teammates and is set to be eligible for selection when they resume Championship action against rivals Sunderland next week.
This signing is seen as crucial for Middlesbrough, especially with only one senior left-back, Lukas Engel, available. The team needed to swiftly address this issue due to injuries sidelining Alex Bangura and Hayden Coulson being on loan at Blackpool. Thomas’s unexpected loan arrival provides valuable experience, having played in the Premier League throughout his relatively short footballing career.
Carrick previously utilized Engel as a left-sided center-back in a back five against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, with Bangura providing width at left wing-back. With Thomas in the mix, Carrick now has the flexibility to explore this option further. Additionally, considering the need for cover at center-back due to injuries, if Engel fills that role, Thomas can seamlessly transition to left wing-back when required.
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