Middlesbrough confirm multiple player decisions ahead of 2022 summer

Nine players are set to depart the club at the end of the season.

Most notably, Connor Malley and Rumarn Burrell are both set to be released despite making it into the senior side in recent months. 

Burrell debuted for Boro in the FA Cup in 2020 against Brentford, and is currently on loan with Kilmarnock of the Scottish Championship. 

Malley has enjoyed loan spells away from the club with Ayr and Carlisle, and is currently playing for Gateshead. 

The midfielder debuted for Boro against Rotherham last season and has also played for the club in the League Cup.

Middlesbrough have announced that the players will all benefit from the Academy Alumni Programme.

Academy manager Craig Liddle has also confirmed that all nine players will receive full support from the club in their next steps. 

“It’s never a nice thing having to let young players go, but we know and the lads know that it comes with the job,” said Liddle, via the club’s official website. 

“As part of what we do and the new programme, we will work closely with them to identify any potential opportunities and provide them with all the support they need going forward.”

Harry Green and Malik Dijksteel, both currently out on loan at Whitby Town, have also not been offered new contracts. 

Alberto Balde is also set to depart the U23 side.

In terms of the U18 team, Josh Marshall, Lucas Howe, Alex Hutchinson and Jacob Hulmer are also set to be released. 

Football is a ruthless business and only a select few get to make it at the highest levels.

But that the club is offering support programmes for their departing youngsters is a step in the right direction.

Young players often get forgotten about once they get released by clubs so the more that the likes of Middlesbrough do