George Edmundson future admission as Kieran Scott lifts the lid on Ben Doak's Middlesbrough move
Middlesbrough head of football Kieran Scott has hinted that George Edmundson can have a longer-term future at the club after joining on loan from Ipswich Town.
Edmundson arrived on the final day of the window as Boro chiefs ultimately decided that current injury problems for Darragh Lenihan and Dael Fry, and the uncertainty surrounding how they'll return after so long out, left them needing one more option. Michael Carrick was able to use his connections with Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna to progress a deal.
Initially just a season-long loan, Edmundson, 27, arrives at Boro having tasted two promotions in the last two seasons at Portman Road, and is now hoping to do the same again at the Riverside. Out of contract at the end of the season, too, Scott sees absolutely no reason why the centre-back can't earn a permanent deal, similar to how Luke Ayling did this summer.
READ MORE: Middlesbrough's 'bonus' deadline day signings Ben Doak and George Edmundson explained
Asked about Boro's deadline-day business, Scott told the club website: "Two totally different positions but as important as each other. George is coming in to help us at the minute navigate a centre-back issue. But we see a future in George as well.
"We think he's someone who can be a future asset. We're in a good position on that loan. We'll see how he settles down. I'm sure he'll be playing soon."
Edmundson revealed he had numerous offers to leave Ipswich late in the transfer window before choosing Boro, and that was certainly the case for Boro's second deadline-day signing Ben Doak too. The 18-year-old winger arrived on loan from Liverpool to much excitement.
While the prospect of signing Doak permanently appears optimistic at this stage, Boro were ultimately willing to bend their preferred loan stance to add the Scotland international, with belief he can be a 'game-changer' for them this season as they seek promotion to the Premier League.
Such is Doak's potential, when Liverpool decided to make him available late in the window, Boro are believed to be one of eight clubs to make an approach, including Premier League clubs Southampton and Leicester City. In keeping with a theme running throughout a positive summer transfer window, Doak ultimately turned many others down to head to Teesside.
Scott said: "Both [signings] were as important as each other and it was a good way to finish the day. Ben at Liverpool is an exciting player, he'll get bums off seats. He's direct, quick and he will be a good addition for us. He (Doak) like quite a few of our signings this summer was a wanted boy. We've all seen what he's got when he's played for Liverpool.
"But we sold what we do, again referring back to Michael [Carrick] and the pull Michael has. I think Ben could see it was a good place for him. We'll let him do what he does and enjoy himself. The size of the club and what we're trying to do, he wanted to be part of it and we welcome him here."