Michael Carrick has some big decisions to make when it comes to the Middlesbrough players who are out of contract in the next year.
Middlesbrough are now less than one month away from their 2024/25 Championship campaign getting underway.
Boro host Swansea City at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, August 10th, and it will be interesting to see how Michael Carrick could line up his side versus the Welsh outfit.
Three new first-team signings have been added to the squad so far this summer, while several players have been moved on.
However, while the Teessiders are in much better shape than this time last year, Carrick and Head of Football Kieran Scott still have some big decisions to make this summer.
One of which is what they will do with the five senior players who are out of contract in 2025.
Boro may wish to cash in on a few of the names rather than losing them for free next year or they could look to offer some new contracts to certain players.
With this in mind, Boro News have taken a look at every Middlesbrough player out of contract in 2025 and what Carrick should do with them this summer.
Riley McGree
Riley McGree joined Middlesbrough in January 2022 from MLS side Charlotte FC.
The Australian was a key member of the Boro team who earned a play-off semi-final spot in the 2022/23 season.
McGree fell out of favour somewhat in the previous campaign, in part due to injury issues and international duty.
Middlesbrough had a decent 2023/24 without him and one pundit claimed he would be happy for McGree to be sold.
However, the player himself has made his stance on staying at the club clear and Boro News believes McGree should be offered a new deal.
The 25-year-old’s ability to operate on the left wing as well as his natural central midfield position should prove especially useful in 2024/25.
And now he is back to full fitness and there is no international tournament in the coming season, McGree should be able to recapture his best form.
Matt Clarke
Matt Clarke joined Middlesbrough from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2022.
The 27-year-old made just six appearances during his debut season for the Reds due to a long-term injury.
Clarke was then expected to act as a back-up centre-back last season but injuries to other players meant he was afforded more regular playing time.
The Englishman grasped this opportunity with both hands and by the end of the campaign, had formed an excellent partnership with Rav van den Berg.
Middlesbrough have the option to extend Clarke’s contract by one year and they should definitely do so.
Anfernee Dijksteel
Anfernee Dijksteel joined the Teessiders from Charlton Athletic in 2019 and was a key figure during his early years at the club.
However, the Dutchman has fallen down the right-back pecking order since Carrick took charge.
Dijksteel made 20 Championship appearances last term but has not completed 90 minutes in 2024.
With it clear the 27-year-old will be the third-choice option at right-back in 2024/25, Middlesbrough should cash in on him this summer, rather than lose him for free next year.
Jonny Howson
Since his arrival from Norwich City in 2017, Jonny Howson has been one of Middlesbrough’s most consistent players.
He has won the Middlesbrough Player of the Year award twice and is the current captain.
However, he is now 36 years old and will be 37 by the time his contract expires.
Boro should keep Howson at the Riverside this season but it is likely he will retire in 2025.
Tommy Smith
Tommy Smith joined Middlesbrough on a free transfer from Stoke City in July 2022.
He played 36 league games in 2022/23 and provided an assist in the play-off semi-finals versus Coventry City.
However, injury limited him to just seven outings last season and now he is 32, Boro should not offer him a new deal.
Despite this, Smith should be kept at the club for the forthcoming campaign. He still has something to offer Carrick’s team and as he was signed for free, Boro will not lose any money by releasing him in 2025.