Samuel Iling-Junior spent the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough
Samuel Iling-Junior has written a farewell message to Middlesbrough after his short loan spell at the club came to an end.
Joining from Aston Villa in January after his loan at Bologna was cut short, Iling-Junior overcame a rough start to make 16 appearances for Michael Carrick’s side. He contributed one goal and two assists in Boro colours, but was unable to help the club reach the play-offs this season.
After his exit was confirmed in Boro’s retained list revealed on Friday, Iling-Junior took to Instagram, writing a message on his stories. It said, “A tough ending. I wish the best of luck to the fans, but especially to the squad and staff who welcomed me into such a wonderful environment. It was brief, but nice and memorable. UTB.”
Iling-Junior was one of five loan players at the club this summer, and none of them are anticipated to return to the Riverside next season. Boro were interested in re-signing Mark Travers, but indications are that they will be priced out of the deal. At one point, there was talk of looking into another loan move for Iling-Junior, but that will not happen anymore. Iling-Junior will return to Villa this summer, but his future remains uncertain, with a first-team debut doubtful, despite claims of interest from Napoli.
Iling-Junior spent the majority of his time at Boro playing at left-back after defensive injuries forced him into the deeper role. Boro will bring back Neto Borges for the season’s final game, as well as Alex Bangura for the start of preseason.
The Villa player was initially signed to bolster Boro’s wing options, but his effect in those advanced situations was limited. Boro have made bolstering their forward options a top priority this summer, with Ben Doak’s loan spell from Liverpool coming to an end.
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