Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg stated that Neto Borges could stay with the club this season after making his first appearance at the Riverside in over a year against Wrexham.

The 29-year-old spent the 2025/26 season on loan to fellow Championship club Bristol City, joining late in the window after playing just 10 league minutes for the Teesiders.

Borges made 38 second-tier games at Ashton Gate, 30 of which were from the bench, and while the Robins decided to take a new approach at full-back this summer, it was believed that he would leave Middlesbrough permanently.

However, after playing the entire game at center-back against Wrexham in the EFL Cup on Friday night, the 29-year-old appears to have impressed Hellberg enough to get another chance at the Riverside.

Kim Hellberg compliments Neto Borges following Wrexham’s win.

Kim Hellberg had the opportunity to see Borges in person for the first time this summer, as the 29-year-old had been out of the game since late November when he appeared in the dugout.

The Swedish boss loves the Brazilian’s defensive versatility. He may challenge for the starting left-back spot alongside Max Arfsten, or give vital centre-back support, which he did against Wrexham due to Adilson Malanda’s performance in the midfield.

“I think Neto did brilliantly [against Wrexham],” Hellberg told the Northern Echo.He’s one of those folks I enjoy working with since he gives all and is an excellent teammate. He excels in several roles and consistently performs well throughout training sessions.He can run, has a terrific left foot, and I believe he demonstrated his ability to play centre back. “It’s challenging to play against such a strong back four.”It was a little erratic, going to five at times, but I think he performed very well. I enjoy working with him, and I am glad he is here.”

How Middlesbrough fans responded to Neto Borges’ performance against Wrexham

Borges not only helped Middlesbrough preserve a clean sheet against a fellow Championship big-hitter on Friday, but the 29-year-old also more than held his own in a club that many anticipate to compete at the top of the second tier again this season.

Neto Borges versus Wrexham

Minutes played

Defensive contributions.

Clearances

Ground duels won.

3/5

Passes completed.

58/63

According to Fotmob, the Brazilian player produced seven defensive contributions, five clearances, was only dribbled past once, and completed 92% of passes.Neto Borges tonight, btw, just slotted in like he’d never been away #borough,” one Middlesbrough fan wrote after the game on Friday night, prompting Borough fans to comment on his performance.

Clearly, Middlesbrough fans support the idea of keeping Borges at the club this season.

Borough struggled to have solid depth options at important times last year, and while the majority of that was attributed to the top end of the field, having someone like the 29-year-old as a reserve at both left-back and center-back would be beneficial.

Middlesbrough are expected to still listen to Neto Borges’ proposals, but Kim Hellberg is pleased to keep him at the Riverside

Unfortunately for those hopeful Middlesbrough fans who believe Borges is now a permanent member of the club, the Brazilian’s contract position means that he is still free to leave.

According to the Northern Echo, the 29-year-old’s contract expires at the conclusion of this season, therefore the existing summer window represents one of Boro’s last opportunities to recuperate some money through a sale.

There’s every chance that, if retained around as a mere squad player this season, Borges would explore his options and attempt to go elsewhere at the end of the campaign, so if Middlesbrough can bank a sum for him, it may be something that the higher-ups consider.

Nevertheless, if that interest doesn’t arise, Kim Hellberg won’t be too disappointed. The 29-year-old has definitely made a solid first impression on the head coach and might be set for a crucial role in what looks to be an entertaining season at the Riverside.