The catalogue of Championship free agents is expanding as Middlesbrough becomes the latest club to unveil its released and retained lists. The losing play-off finalists have confirmed that six players are leaving the Riverside Stadium upon the expiration of their contracts this summer. Among them are midfielder Dan Barlaser, forward Marcus Forss—who endured an injury-hit loan at Bolton—and centre-half Darragh Lenihan, who has battled injuries over the past three seasons.
Middlesbrough's Departures and Talks
Captain Dael Fry, a 28-year-old centre-half, is in discussions to extend his stay. Fry has risen through the ranks at Middlesbrough to become a key player, amassing nearly 300 appearances. The club has also released Alex Gilbert, Jon McLaughlin, and Sammy Silvera.
Other Clubs Yet to Confirm
Play-off winners Hull City and Southampton have yet to announce their retained lists. Promoted Ipswich Town has only confirmed that forward Conor Chaplin is leaving. Southampton players whose contracts expire in June include right-back James Bree, left-back Charlie Taylor, midfielders Joe Aribo, Will Smallbone, and Oriol Romeu, and striker Ross Stewart, who is believed to have an option for a 12-month extension.
Ipswich's Wes Burns Wants to Stay
Winger Wes Burns has made it clear he would like to extend his stay at Ipswich Town beyond this summer. The East Anglian Daily Times reports: 'The 31-year-old deserves an extension purely on merit. The form he's produced in the second half of this season, off the back of almost a year out with an ACL injury, has been remarkable. Kieran McKenna has hinted he wants the wide man to stay, but adds Burns has earned the right to be the first one to decide his future.' Burns said he would 'love to stay' and add a Premier League goal to his CV but also must consider what is right for him and his family.
Hull City's Contract Situation
Hull City have triggered an extension for midfielder Regan Slater and have no senior players whose terms are about to expire. However, they have 16 contracts ending in 2027, some with options.
Birmingham City's Released List
Birmingham City confirmed their list a fortnight ago, releasing Jonathan Panzo. Tommy Doyle, James Beadle, Jhon Solis, and Ibrahim Osman have returned to their parent clubs after loan spells at St Andrew's.
Full List of Released and Retained Players
Birmingham City: Released: Jonathan Panzo. Contract offered: Brad Mayo.
Blackburn Rovers: Released: Ryan Hedges, Sondre Tronstad, Nathan Redmond. Option triggered: Kristi Montgomery. In talks: Nathan Dlamini.
Bristol City: Option triggered: Ross McCrorie, Lewis Thomas. In talks: Sam Bell, Harry Cornick, Sam Morsy, Mark Sykes.
Charlton Athletic: Released: Luke Berry, Terry Taylor. In talks: Lyndon Dykes, Matty Godden. Option triggered: Tyreece Campbell.
Coventry City: Released: Jamie Allen, Brad Collins, Conrad Ambursley, Charlie Finney, Jack James, Greg Sandiford, Kai Yearn.
Derby County: Released: Callum Elder, Jake Rooney, Ben Osborn, Andi Weimann. In talks: Danny Batth.
Ipswich Town: Released: Conor Chaplin.
Leicester City: Released: Ricardo Pereira, Patson Daka, Jordan Ayew, Jamaal Lascelles, Wanya Marcal. In talks: Asmir Begovic.
Middlesbrough: Released: Dan Barlaser, Marcus Forss, Alex Gilbert, Darragh Lenihan, Jon McLaughlin, Sammy Silvera. In talks: Dael Fry.
Millwall: Released: Danny McNamara, Joe Bryan, Wes Harding, Massimo Luongo. In talks: Billy Mitchell, Joel Coleman, Ronnie Sandford. Option triggered: Casper De Norre, Ryan Leonard.
Norwich City: Released: Shane Duffy, Emiliano Marcondes, Tony Springett, Jeffrey Schlupp, Dan Barden.
Oxford United: Released: Przemysław Płacheta, Myles Peart-Harris, Hidde ter Avest, Owen Dale, Will Goodwin, Joshua Johnson, Jacob Knightbridge, Steph Negru, Tom Bradshaw, Stuart Findlay.
Portsmouth: Released: Jordan Archer, Harry Clout, Reuben Swann. Contracts offered: Connor Ogilvie, Zak Swanson.
Preston North End: Released: Robbie Brady, Will Keane, Jamal Lewis. In talks: Dai Cornell.
Queens Park Rangers: Released: Paul Nardi, Ben Hamer, Isaac Hayden.
Sheffield United: Released: Jairo Riedewald, Danny Ings, Tom Davies. Retired: Ben Mee. Option triggered: Adam Davies.
Sheffield Wednesday: Released: Nathaniel Chalobah, Harry Evers, Dominic Iorfa, Junior Kamwa, Marvelous Nakamba, Favour Onukwuli, Rio Shipston, Zain Silcott-Duberry. In talks: Max Lowe, Mackenzie Maltby, Gui Siqueira. Option triggered: George Brown, Joe Emery, Svante Ingelsson, Jamal Lowe, Cole McGhee, Denny Oliver, Liam Palmer, Logan Stretch, Ernie Weaver. Contracts offered: Liam Cooper, Bruno Fernandes, Reece Johnson, Devlan Moses, Jack Phillips, Jarvis Thornton.
Stoke City: Released: Lewis Baker, Steven Nzonzi. In talks: Aaron Cresswell. Option triggered: Ben Wilmot.
Swansea City: In talks: Joel Ward, Kit Margetson.
Watford: Released: Tom Ince, Nampalys Mendy.
West Bromwich Albion: Released: Jed Wallace, Daryl Dike, Joe Wildsmith. In talks: Karlan Grant, Josh Maja, Max O'Leary.
Wrexham: Released: Andy Cannon, Jay Rodriguez, Callum Edwards, Reuban Egan, Tom Kelly, Max Purvis. Options triggered: Aaron James, Alex Moore, Rio Owen.
