Middlesbrough FC has released its list of retained and released players following the end of the 2025–2026 Championship season, with young Nigerian forward Hazeem Bakre among those set to depart when his contract expires on June 30. The announcement comes after the club’s heartbreaking defeat in the Championship playoff final at Wembley, where they lost to West Bromwich Albion in stoppage time, despite a strong campaign. Bakre, who has shown promise during his time with the Teessiders, will leave the club after failing to secure a new deal.
Bakre, a 20-year-old forward born in south-east London in 2005, made his professional debut with Middlesbrough after joining their U18 side at the end of the 2023–2024 season. He had previously played for Huddersfield Town before making the move to the Riverside Stadium. His first professional contract with Middlesbrough was signed in the summer of 2024, and it was scheduled to run until the end of June 2025. Despite being part of the club’s youth and development setup, Bakre did not feature regularly in the first team during the season.
During the second half of the 2024–2025 campaign, Bakre was loaned out to National League North side Darlington, where he made 15 league appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. His performances at that level showcased his potential, but he remains unattached to a club as of now. In his final season with Middlesbrough, he also played for the club’s U21 side in Premier League 2 and the National League Cup, gaining valuable experience across different competitions.
One of the most notable aspects of Bakre’s story is his connection to Nigerian football royalty. He confirmed to allnigeriasoccer.com that he is a cousin of former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, through his father’s side of the family. This lineage adds to the growing list of Nigerian talents emerging from the UK football system, and Bakre has chosen to represent Nigeria internationally rather than England, aligning himself with his heritage.
The release of Bakre is part of a broader restructuring at Middlesbrough as they look to rebuild following their playoff heartbreak. While the club has yet to confirm any immediate plans for Bakre, his future could lie with another Championship or League One club, or possibly a move abroad. His age, potential, and Nigerian passport make him an attractive prospect for clubs seeking young, developable talent with international eligibility. As the transfer window opens, Nigerian football scouts and clubs will be watching closely to see where Bakre lands next.
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