Middlesbrough's recent failed promotion bid has cast uncertainty over the club's summer transfer plans, particularly concerning midfielder Abdoulaye Kante. After narrowly missing out on a place in the Premier League, the club faces challenges in retaining key players. Kante, who joined Middlesbrough from Troyes, struggled to make an impact, featuring in only five matches before being loaned to Saint-Etienne. During his time in France, he made 16 appearances and expressed a desire for a permanent move back to Saint-Etienne. However, the club's failure to secure promotion to Ligue 1 complicates his future. Reports suggest that Kante's situation is now uncertain, as the option to convert his loan into a permanent deal depended on Saint-Etienne's success. With the summer transfer window approaching, Middlesbrough must navigate these challenges carefully to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season.