Middlesbrough have a number of player out on loan at this moment in time.
A number of those individuals are younger players, looking to gain some useful experience at the early stage of their careers.
However, there are some more senior individuals who are simply keen to get more game time under their belt, than they were enjoying in Michael Carrick‘s side.
One such player who is currently in that position, is goalkeeper Liam Roberts. The 29-year-old is currently on loan with League One promotion hopefuls Barnsley.
Now it seems as though that move may be one the Middlesbrough loanee is keen to extend that deal, beyond the current campaign.
Liam Roberts speak on his future
Roberts joined ‘Boro back in the summer of 2022, signing on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Northampton Town.
However, he struggled for game time at Middlesbrough last season. The goalkeeper made just five appearances for Carrick’s side during the 2022/23 campaign.
As a result, he was allowed to join Barnsley on loan in the summer transfer window. Roberts has since gone on to make a total of 28 appearances for the Tykes. He has helped them to 4th place in the current League One table.
Now it seems that with his current contract at The Riverside Stadium set to expire in the summer, the goalkeeper is interested in extending his stay at Oakwell.
When asked about his future, the Middlesbrough loanee told The Barnsley Chronicle:
“I haven’t really heard anything. I am loving it here and concentrating on what we’re doing. My personal situation is nothing to do with it.
“My focus is getting Barnsley promoted. My time isn’t up yet and hopefully it isn’t up in the future.”
Middlesbrough should let Liam Roberts go
It would seem to make sense for ‘Boro to allow the goalkeeper to move on in the summer.
These comments he has made do seem to suggest that he would like to stay at Barnsley beyond the end of the current campaign.
With Roberts out of contract at Middlesbrough in the summer, there is scope for him to do just that.
Carrick already has the likes of Seny Dieng and Tom Glover to call upon between the posts.
As a result, allowing Roberts to leave in the summer, is not going to mean Middlesbrough are too short on depth in that position.
It would therefore make little sense to use time and money in negotiating a new contract for the 29-year-old.
That is further enhanced by his lack of game time at The Riverside Stadium. That does further indicate this is not a move that has really worked out for either party.
With that in mind, it does seem as though Roberts’ departure from Middlesbrough in the summer would be best for all involved.