Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry in action. (Getty Images)
According to The Sun (h/t Teesside Live), Middlesbrough have slapped a £25m price tag on Burnley target Dael Fry. The report also suggests that Boro rejected the Clarets’ offer for the youngster in the previous two transfer windows but could let him go at the third time of asking.
Fry, 22, who graduated from Middlesbrough’s academy, has made a total of 95 appearances for the club’s senior side since making his debut back in 2015. He has featured in 30 games so far this season, impressing at the back for Jonathan Woodgate’s side.
His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with Burnley interested for quite a long time. He has one more year left on his contract with Boro but the Clarets should make a move for him in the summer.
Even though Burnley have enjoyed decent results of late, they have been vulnerable at the back. Sean Dyche’s men have conceded 39 goals in 27 games and it doesn’t read well for a club that is aiming for a finish in the top half of the table or even a higher position.
Despite experienced campaigners like Ben Mee and James Tarkowski taking charge at the back, they have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. Former Middlesbrough graduate Ben Gibson hasn’t convinced the manager to get game time and has appeared only once this season, which was in the EFL Cup.
Hence, the manager should bring in reinforcements to the backline in the form of Dael Fry to add depth to the squad. They have only four central defenders in their ranks, with Kevin Long and Ben Gibson mostly out of the squad. And Fry would be a viable option in the team.
The 22-year-old has featured regularly for the Championship side in the last two seasons and has developed himself into a fine centre-back. At Turf Moor, he would add some much-needed freshness.
The English U21 international might be a good fit for a team which has lacked a young and powerful presence in the heart of the defence. He is just 22 and under proper guidance, he can develop into a fine Premier League centre-back.
Considering Burnley’s defensive problems, the manager should go all out for reinforcements at the back. And Fry could be their solution for the long-term, given his potential. Hence, splashing the cash on the youngster would be a wise decision by the club.
