It’s started already: Lincoln City are reportedly among the clubs monitoring Middlesbrough captain Dael Fry as his future on Teesside remains unresolved.
It feels like a huge leap, and given that the outlet is Sports Boom, it might not have any legs, but still, it shows that the media are now lumping us in with big hitters. Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United have also been mentioned as potential suitors, highlighting the level of competition for his signature should he leave Teesside.
The 28-year-old centre back is approaching the end of his current deal, and with Middlesbrough’s promotion push stalling at a crucial stage of the season, uncertainty is beginning to grow around what comes next for one of their longest-serving players.
Fry has spent almost his entire career with Boro, breaking into the first team as a teenager and becoming a mainstay in their defence across several Championship campaigns. Aside from a brief loan spell with Rotherham United earlier in his career, he has remained loyal to his hometown club, building a reputation as a dependable and committed figure at the heart of their back line.
However, with his contract winding down and no clear resolution yet announced, interest is starting to gather. Reports suggest multiple clubs are keeping a close watch on the situation, ready to move should he become available on a free transfer this summer.
Imps Linked With Experienced Defender
City are one of the sides credited with an interest, and I guess we could look to add a centre back. Deji Elerewe is barely proven at League One level, while Ryler Towler and Tom Hamer are competent in the third tier; their second-tier credentials have yet to be tested. Sonny Bradley has played Championship with Luton, but appeared just seven times for Derby in 2024/25 before stepping down to League One.
The current squad has delivered beyond expectations this season, but there is an understanding that strengthening will be required if the club are to compete at a higher level. Still, is an established captain, hunting a Premier League spot, realistic? At 28, he could still have aspirations of the Premier League, and if his estimated salary of £5,500 a week is accurate (which it probably isn’t), then he could well be looking for a payday with his last big contract.
There are, of course, other factors at play. Fry is understood to be open to continuing his career at the highest level possible, and a Premier League opportunity would likely take precedence should one arise. Burnley have been linked previously, and with changes expected there following relegation, that is a situation to keep an eye on.
In truth, this feels a lot like chatter and nothing of substance, but honestly, it was nice to see our name in an article with clubs like Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, so I went with it.