Middlesbrough completed an eye-catching piece of business in the summer transfer window, with the signing of Lewis O’Brien.
The midfielder arrived on a season-long loan, joining from Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
Having made that move, there has been frustration for O’Brien at The Riverside Stadium. The 25-year-old has previously missed several months of the campaign due to injury.
Even so, he has still made 18 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough over the course of the season.
As a result, Michael Carrick and co. will soon have to decide whether or not they want to make that move permanent, come the summer transfer window.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the factors that could influence a potential deal, right here.
Lewis O’Brien Nottingham Forest contract
O’Brien joined Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2022, moving from Huddersfield Town.
There are currently two years remaining on his contract with his parent club. His future at The City Ground is therefore secure until the end of the 2025/26 season.
As a result, Nottingham Forest will be in a strong position to respond to any offer Middlesbrough make this summer, in that respect.
Lewis O’Brien wages
According to Salary Sport, O’Brien is earning £45,000 per week at Middlesbrough this season. That works out at £2.34million per year.
He is therefore, the highest paid member of Michael Carrick‘s side by some margin as things stand. The next highest paid player is Darragh Lenihan, on £26,000 per week.
Lewis O’Brien transfer value
According to Transfermarkt, O’Brien is currently worth €5million, which works out at just under £4.3million.
Meanwhile, FootballTransfers value the midfielder at €2.5million, which is just over £2.14million.
Could Middlesbrough sign Lewis O’Brien permanently
A permanent move for O’Brien is something that ‘Boro may want to cosider.
Speaking last month about the midfielder’s long-term future, Carrick suggested that no talks had yet been held over a deal.
The Middlesbrough manager did however, admit it is getting to the time of the season where plans for the summer are made.
As a result, it may not be long until we find out if the club want to keep the midfielder for next season.
Indeed, O’Brien is a very good option at this level, and has done well for ‘Bor in the current campaign.
That could well make a permanent move appealing for Middlesbrough. However, the situation at Nottingham Forest could influence that.
O’Brien’s parent club are currently 18th in the Premier League table, one point from safety. As a result, if they are relegated, that could change their stance over another exit for the midfielder.
If they find themselves back in the Championship, O’Brien could be a more useful option for them. That in turn, could hamper any hopes Middlesbrough might have of a reunion with the 25-year-old.