Exclusive: Middlesbrough set to sign non-league sensation Jayden Carbon
Middlesbrough are set to sign Jayden Carbon after agreeing a fee with Oxford City, sources have told Football Insider.
The non-league striker is expected to complete his move to the Riverside Stadium on Wednesday.
Carbon, 19, impressed in the National League North last term as he enjoyed a breakthrough season with Oxford City.
The striker, who has been likened to Jamie Vardy, was the leading teenage goalscorer in the division with five goals.
Football Insider revealed that both Leicester and Wrexham had been tracking the forward.
Middlesbrough close in on teenage signing
Rob Edwards’ side are set to be among the clubs challenging for a top six finish next term and as a result, they need to strengthen.
Boro finished 10th in the Championship last term, leading to the club parting company with Michael Carrick and replacing him with former Luton boss, Edwards.
If they’re to do reach the play-offs then they’ll need to ensure that they conquer their rivals, something that they’ve managed by pipping Wrexham and Leicester to the signing of Carbon.
Carbon a striker for the future
Middlesbrough are crying out for attacking reinforcements this summer following the sale of Emmanuel Latte Lath to Atalanta United in the January transfer window.
With Josh Coburn also leaving for Millwall this summer, it means that Edwards is left with only Tommy Conway as a natural, recognised centre-forward.
| Jayden Carbon stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 6 |
Boro are in the market for a new striker and Carbon certainly ticks that box, however it’s likely that Middlesbrough fans will need to be patient with this signing.
While the 19-year-old has impressively burst onto the scene at a young age, his return of five goals in 39 National League appearances last season doesn’t suggest he is yet ready to lead the line at Championship level.
As a result, Carbon could be set for a season with Middlesbrough’s under-21 side or head out on loan as he looks to make the giant leap from the National League North to the EFL Championship.