This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Middlesbrough are casting their eyes over former Huddersfield Town midfielder Aaron Mooy, as per a Twitter update from Mike McGrath.
The Tweet states that Boro are not the only Championship club in pursuit, with former club Huddersfield, as well as Birmingham City, Norwich City and Swansea City, all showing an interest at this stage.
The Australia international, who featured over 100 times for the Terriers across three years at the John Smith's Stadium, racked up nearly 100 Premier League appearances during his time with the Terriers and with Brighton & Hove Albion.
The versatile midfielder is just as comfortable operating in a more attacking role as he is in a more holding role and could be offered another opportunity in the Championship.
Three of our writers here at FLW have shared their thoughts regarding Middlesbrough's interest in the experienced midfielder...
Carla Devine
It’s slightly hard to judge this one. Aaron Mooy has plenty of talent, there’s no doubting that and he showed that probably the best when he was in the Championship with Huddersfield so we know he can perform at this level.
Not just in terms of performance is he an assist though. The midfielder proved to be a leader both on and off the pitch and had a massive part to play in his team’s promotion so you can understand the role he could play at Middlesbrough as they aim to do the same.
However, Mooy hasn’t played at a competitor level in recent years since signing for Chinese side SH Port and as a result of this alongside his age of 31-years-old, you must question whether he will be lacking more now.
That being said, considering he is available on a free this summer it seems like an offer that offers little risk but a fair bit of reward if it pays off. He won’t be the same player who was for Huddersfield but in the Championship as part of a team chasing promotion, it’s hard to see him not having an impact.
Marcus Ally
This would be a great signing, and especially in potentially replacing Martin Payero with a player ready to hit the ground running in England.
Jonny Howson, Matt Crooks and Marcus Tavernier make up a menacing midfield trio in the second tier, but beneath that Wilder may be a little concerned.
It is a squad game at the end of the day, and with such a good record getting the best out of older players, the former Sheffield United boss could push Mooy on to the best performance levels he has shown in English football.
Mooy can contribute equally as much in and out of possession, but does possess quality on the ball that we rarely see in the Championship.
Boro still need to address their deficiencies in the final third, but Mooy would be a stellar addition.
Ned Holmes
As a free agent signing this could work for Middlesbrough.
Martín Payero looks as though he could be on his way out of the Riverside while at 34, Jonny Howson is not getting any younger.
Boro have strengthened at centre-back and on both flanks but Chris Wilder will know that work still needs to be done.
Midfield isn't a top priority but you cannot turn your nose up at a player of Aaron Mooy's quality.
Strength in depth is vital for a promotion push and signing Mooy would certainly give them that.