Middlesbrough’s duo is set to depart following deliberations about prolonged stays.

Sammy Silvera and Alex Gilbert are set to depart Middlesbrough this summer after it was confirmed that neither player will remain at the Riverside Stadium beyond the expiration of their current contracts.

Both players were named on Middlesbrough’s released list when the club announced its retained and released players last month. At the time, however, there remained a slim possibility that the pair could extend their stays on Teesside. Sources indicated that further discussions would be held to determine whether there was a pathway for them to continue with the club beyond this season.

Sammy Silvera and Alex Gilbert could still stay at Boro next season

Those conversations reportedly focused on the roles Silvera and Gilbert would occupy if they were to stay. Middlesbrough’s preferred squad structure for the upcoming campaign is believed to involve having two strong options for every position. Under that model, both players were viewed as potential utility options capable of providing depth across several areas of the team rather than as regular starters.

Despite those discussions, it has now become clear that neither player will be staying. Both will officially leave Middlesbrough when their contracts come to an end later this month, bringing their respective spells with the club to a close.

Silvera leaves after making 65 appearances for Middlesbrough across all competitions. The Australian international has attracted attention from several clubs as he weighs up his next move. According to reports from the Mirror, interest in the winger has emerged from Championship sides, Major League Soccer clubs in the United States, and a number of ambitious League One teams eager to strengthen their squads.

The 24-year-old’s future looked uncertain last summer after loan spells with Portsmouth and Blackpool failed to provide the breakthrough he had hoped for. At that stage, a permanent departure appeared likely. However, Silvera managed to revive his Middlesbrough career during the most recent campaign, earning more opportunities and re-establishing himself within the squad.

As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, Silvera has been taking some time away from football. He was recently spotted enjoying a holiday in the Balearic Islands alongside Middlesbrough teammates Morgan Whittaker and Law McCabe, with photographs of the trio circulating on social media.

Gilbert’s departure follows a similar timeline to Silvera’s in some respects. The midfielder arrived at Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023 after joining from Brentford. During his two-year spell at the club, he made 47 appearances but found it difficult to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup.

One of the challenges Gilbert faced was convincing a succession of Middlesbrough managers that he deserved a more prominent role. Over the course of his time at the club, he worked under three different head coaches, yet opportunities remained limited despite occasional flashes of quality.

There was a period of optimism for Gilbert following the arrival of Kim Hellberg in November. The midfielder enjoyed a productive run in the side and appeared to be establishing himself as a key figure within the team. During that spell, he demonstrated the technical qualities and creativity that had initially persuaded Middlesbrough to bring him to the club.

However, his resurgence proved short-lived. A dip in form followed, and Gilbert gradually lost his place in the starting eleven. Despite efforts to regain momentum, he struggled to cement a regular role and ultimately found himself on the fringes of the squad once again.

Although neither Silvera nor Gilbert was expected to play a major role for Middlesbrough next season, both players remained highly respected within the club. Sources suggest they were regarded as excellent professionals and positive influences in the dressing room. Their versatility and attitude made them valuable squad members who could be relied upon when injuries or suspensions affected the team.

Nevertheless, with opportunities likely to remain limited moving forward, both players have opted to seek fresh challenges elsewhere. Regular first-team football is expected to be a major priority for each as they assess their options ahead of the new season.

Their exits continue a significant summer of change at Middlesbrough. Silvera and Gilbert join a growing list of players leaving the club on free transfers. Goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, defender Darragh Lenihan, midfielder Dan Barlaser, and forward Marcus Forss are also set to depart following the expiration of their contracts.

While several departures have already been confirmed, Middlesbrough remain hopeful of retaining one important figure. The club is continuing discussions with local product Dael Fry over a new contract and is optimistic that an agreement can be reached. Fry has long been a key presence in the squad and remains highly valued both on and off the pitch.

However, Middlesbrough face competition for the defender’s signature. Reports have linked Fry with a move to recently relegated West Ham, creating uncertainty over whether he will commit his future to the Riverside Stadium. The situation is one that supporters will be monitoring closely in the coming weeks.

Away from contract negotiations, attention is increasingly turning toward recruitment. Middlesbrough are working behind the scenes to strengthen Kim Hellberg’s squad ahead of the new campaign. Club officials have spent recent weeks assessing targets and finalising their priorities for the summer transfer window.

The recruitment strategy is understood to be well advanced, with key positions identified and preferred targets already established following the conclusion of last season. Discussions with potential signings are ongoing as the club seeks to build a squad capable of meeting its ambitions.

For Middlesbrough, the departures of Silvera and Gilbert mark the end of two careers that never fully developed as many had hoped on Teesside. Both arrived with promise and moments of potential, but neither managed to secure a long-term place as a central figure within the team.

Now, as their contracts draw to a close, both players will move on in search of new opportunities and greater playing time. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, continue their summer rebuild, balancing player departures with efforts to retain key personnel and bring fresh talent into the squad ahead of what promises to be another important season for the club.