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Southampton: Saints defender McQueen goes out on season-long loan

By Ryan Borowski

SWANSEA, WALES - MAY 08: Sam McQueen of Southampton celebrates with Mark Hughes, Manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Southampton at Liberty Stadium on May 8, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - MAY 08: Sam McQueen of Southampton celebrates with Mark Hughes, Manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Southampton at Liberty Stadium on May 8, 2018 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Sam McQueen joins Middlesbrough on loan for the 18/19 season. Giving him the chance to play regular first team football at a competitive level.

On Thursday, it was announced defender Sam McQueen will be joining Middlesbrough for the rest of the 2018/19 season. The Championship side, who has started the season undefeated and looking for promotion, have strengthened their defense in the move to acquire McQueen.

The 23-year-old has only made a handful of appearances for Saints over his career including six last season with one start.

McQueen seemed to not have had a clear path to playing regular first team football this season and this move to Middlesbrough should give him that opportunity.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Juan Mata of Manchester United and Sam McQueen of Southampton battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on December 30, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 30: Juan Mata of Manchester United and Sam McQueen of Southampton battle for possession during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford on December 30, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

McQueen seemed to not have had a clear path to playing regular first team football this season and this move to Middlesbrough should give him that opportunity.

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With all loan moves, it is a great opportunity for young players to grow and develop into better footballers and realize their potential. Nothing less should be expected of this move especially if Middlesbrough find themselves in the middle of promotion fight. McQueen, could be playing meaningful minutes of competitive football and really flourish.

Loaning out McQueen shows Hughes is confident in the defenders currently in the squad. It also clears the path for players like Matt Targett or even Yan Valery to make a few appearances if Cedric or Ryan Bertrand or both go down with injury.

With the ever-swirling rumors of Bertrand’s departure to a larger club, McQueen, could be seen as the future at the right-back position for Saints. Playing regular first team football for Middlesbrough will prepare him for that role in the Premier League and give him the confidence to perform at the highest level.

If McQueen does not show the type of progress to warrant him being a Premier League full-back it is likely he will move to another club after this season and Southampton will be in the market for a full-back in the transfer window.

Good luck to, Sam! It will be fun to track his progress and see how well he performs this season.

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