Middlesbrough urged to secure fresh contract agreement for 27-y/o despite clear "issues" | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his verdict on Dael Fry's future amid his expiring contract in 2026

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Dael Fry’s future at Middlesbrough could be the subject of speculation this summer amid his expiring contract.

The defender is now into the final 12 months of his current deal, and could depart the Riverside Stadium as a free agent in 2026 if no agreement on an extension is reached.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire career at Middlesbrough, but injuries have prevented him from being a consistent presence in the team in recent years.

The centre-back featured 21 times in the Championship last season under Michael Carrick, which included 15 starts.

Middlesbrough urged to renew Dael Fry’s contract

When asked about Fry’s contract status, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Phil Auton claimed that a one or two-year deal should be negotiated to keep the defender at the club.

He believes that the academy graduate staying makes sense if new manager Rob Edwards is going to be utilising a back-three formation next season, much like he did at Luton.

“I think it’ll be a decent deal (if Fry is offered a new contract),” Auton told Football League World.

“I think because of the home connection, we will easily get a 12-month or two-year deal out of him.

“He’s got his injuries, he’s got his issues, but I think as a back three, you’d pick him as one of your back three.

“I think it would be a solid signing, but I think the thing with Dael Fry, I don’t think he’s ever progressed massively from when he had potential, and you think he’s really going to come on.

“But, in terms of playing in the Championship, I think if he can stay he’d be a decent signing without a doubt.

“It’s just the injury concerns that bug us but at 6 foot 2, 6 foot 3, he’s just an old-fashioned stopper."

A Dael Fry, Middlesbrough contract extension could depend on fitness next season

Middlesbrough don’t need to rush into a decision on Fry immediately, as they have at least six months to figure out the player’s future before non-English clubs can talk to him regarding a pre-contract arrangement.

Given his history with the club, it’s likely that Fry's preference would be to remain at the Riverside beyond 2026.

If he can maintain his fitness over the next season and prove himself a useful part of Edwards’ plans, then surely a new deal will be put on the table.

Middlesbrough will be hoping he can play a role in the team over the next 12 months, and then an extension could be a no-brainer decision for all parties - fitness though will be the main concern when it comes to the 27-year-old.