Middlesbrough has started the Championship season in impressive fashion, sitting two points clear at the top of the table at the start of November.

Almost a year into his rule at the Riverside Stadium, Kim Hellberg’s managerial stock continues to climb, as does the belief that the Reds will break their decade-long Premier League exile at the end of the season.

The Swede’s high-pressing style continues to bring out the best in those who were already at the Riverside Stadium before the spectacular summer transfer window.

While Will Lankshear has been the driving force behind Middlesbrough’s success this season, another ‘Young Lion’, Hayden Hackney, made a lot of headlines last season.

Hackney’s rise from the Teesside club’s academy ranks to being the Championship’s Player of the Season in just four years was extensively documented, allowing Middlesbrough to advance both on and off the pitch.

It’s fair to say Hellberg has adjusted well to the loss of the 24-year-old, but a similar situation may develop with Aidan Morris.

Aidan Morris has become a key part of Middlesbrough’s midfield over time

Morris is in his third season with Middlesbrough, having joined from MLS side Columbus Crew for $4 million at the start of Michael Carrick’s final season.

Despite a terrible overall season for Borough, the American made a steady start to life in the Championship, making 35 games (33 of which were starts), contributing two assists, and generating solid underlying stats that supported his influence as an all-action midfielder.

His performances then improved further last season, despite the Reds’ final defeat in the promotion fight and then the play-offs, and while Hackney’s initial £16.5 million sale was seen as a setback, albeit an expected one, Morris’ influence has only grown stronger.

The 24-year-old has played every minute of the league season so far, scoring twice while averaging 95.3 touches, one vital pass, and 6.5 recoveries per match, earning him a place among the top three midfielders in the second tier, according to former EFL legend Kevin Phillips.

Aidan Morris’ amazing form has led to unexpected transfer speculation.

Morris’ present role in Hellberg’s system isn’t just allowing the 14-time USMNT international to flourish individually, but it enables for his attack-minded colleagues to create chances at will – ones which are also being put away compared to last term.

As such, it likely came as little surprise to some in the North East when transfer talk regarding the midfield ace came to a climax in late October.

After Morris’ stellar performance in the 5-1 blowout over Bolton Wanderers, Tom Bogert indicated that clubs abroad have began to stand up and take note of his consistency.

However, the crucial lesson from a Middlesbrough standpoint is that Morris aims to lead the club back to the top-flight, which is very much a possibility at this moment in time.

Aidan Morris sums up how impressive Middlesbrough’s current transfer strategy has been

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has built a reputation for backing his managers to the hill, which has certainly been the case with transfer plans.

However, Morris’ arrival two years ago marked the beginning of what has proven to be a critical component of the club’s recruitment strategy, with a handful of subsequent Stateside acquisitions having a significant impact on Boro’s promotion prospects.

Adilson Malanda has provided a goal threat while demonstrating his ability to develop into a high-level modern-day center-back, while Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten have made strong first impressions since joining from the Vancouver Whitecaps and Columbus Crew, respectively, this summer.

Middlesbrough might face future Aidan Morris transfer problem after Hayden Hackney sale

Middlesbrough might receive £24 million in total for Hackney if certain conditions are met during his Everton stint, which will undoubtedly come in handy.

The club also received an additional £20.3 million this summer from a sell-on clause related to Morgan Rogers’ £117 million sale from Aston Villa to Chelsea, and Morris might be one of the next in line to bring Borough a significant profit.

He is currently under contract until June 2028, and if his desire of taking the team back to the Premier League comes true, it will almost likely increase his market value.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the parties involved, and while the club has effectively adjusted to losing Hackney, such a dilemma may need to be addressed sooner rather than later.