Middlesbrough reaction given as 'best performer' heading for 2026 exit | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his verdict on Darragh Lenihan's contract not being renewed beyond this season

Darragh Lenihan has struggled with fitness issues over the last three seasons at Middlesbrough.

The centre-back arrived from Blackburn Rovers in the 2022 summer transfer window, and he established himself as a key part of the side in his first year at the Riverside.

The Irishman made 41 appearances in the Championship as the team earned a play-off place under Michael Carrick, missing out on promotion with a semi-final loss to Coventry City.

However, he has played just 10 more times in the league in the three years since then, including just twice this campaign.

The defender has not featured under Kim Hellberg, and it’s been reported that he will not be offered a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in June.

Lenihan played the full 90 minutes against Preston North End on 13 September, but has been absent since then due to an Achilles injury.

Darragh Lenihan still has plenty to give to a Championship side

When asked whether Lenihan could still be useful to a team in the Championship, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day claimed that he has everything he needs to still perform at this level if he can just stay fit.

He believes the defender was quite underrated by Boro supporters during his time at the Riverside, and that it’s been a real shame how injury problems have held him back over the last few seasons.

“I really rate Darragh Lenihan quite highly, to be honest,” Day told Football League World.

“He performed once this season and I thought he was immense at Preston.

“It’s a real, real shame he’s struggled with injuries throughout his time here, he’s been quite underrated when he has played.

“I think there was a time when he was getting a bit of abuse, and I never got why.

“I thought he was one of our best performers.

“I think he could be a good pickup, if he can get back to fitness.”

Day believes that Lenihan has a lot of leadership qualities that will also make him a strong addition to any team for what he can contribute off the pitch.

“Obviously, it’s a big question as to if he can get back to fitness, but I really hope he can,” he added.

“I think he’s still got a lot left to give off the pitch as well, he’s a great leader.

“He captained Blackburn for quite a while, and this was meant to be his big move, and unfortunately it’s just not worked out, and it’s been a real shame.

“But whenever he has played, I’ve been quite impressed, and I do hope it works out for him somewhere else.”

Lenihan made the move to Middlesbrough following the expiration of his Blackburn contract, and he was key to their last top six finish in the Championship.

The team are back in contention for a place in the Premier League this season, but the 31-year-old has not been able to get involved.

It’s likely that he has already played his final game for the club, with an Achilles issue set to keep him out for the rest of the campaign.

Middlesbrough are fighting for automatic promotion, but have fallen behind league leaders Coventry City with their recent run of form.

The Teesside outfit have not competed in the top flight since they suffered relegation to the Championship in 2017.

Darragh Lenihan’s fitness issues have been a killer for Middlesbrough

Lenihan was quite impressive in his first season for Middlesbrough, which came as no surprise given how well he had performed for Blackburn prior to his move.

But the number of significant injury issues that he’s had have proven too much, and there really is no case for keeping him at the Riverside beyond his current deal, unfortunately.

However, if he can get back to some kind of good health again then there is no doubt that he could be a very useful player to have at any Championship side.

But his next club will need to be very cautious with him going forward, as he will need time to get back up to speed and to prove that his fitness problems are behind him.