Middlesbrough mainstay Dael Fry’s contract expires this summer, and the Riverside Stadium club must make a decision on his future shortly.

Kim Hellberg’s side are fourth in the Championship with one game remaining, just two points behind second-place Ipswich Town, who drew 2-2 with Southampton on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough must defeat Wrexham in North Wales this Saturday to have a chance of winning automatic promotion, but they also rely on mistakes from Ipswich and Millwall.

Middlesbrough said Dael Fry is a ‘crucial’ asset as a significant contract decision approaches.

Boro had lost momentum in their promotion campaign, but consecutive victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Watford have calmed concerns at the Riverside Stadium.

Hellberg was particularly pleased with Middlesbrough’s 5-1 win over the Hornets on Saturday, which saw crucial strikers Morgan Whittaker and Tommy Conway return to form.

And, with Fry’s contract about to expire this summer, Football League World asked our Boro fan pundit, Liam Day, if the 28-year-old should be given a new term.

Day told FLW, “I definitely think Fry should get a new contract, to be honest.” “I believe he is important because he provides a unique defense strategy.”I know that many teams prefer guys who can play out of the back. “It’s important to have a player who can hoof the ball up and get his head on everything.

“That is what Dael Fry gives. Furthermore, he is a local lad. He wants to play for the club; he’s been here his entire life. I believe he will not demand high pay,

which is necessary even if we raise them.Definitely not a starter, but he’d be an excellent squad option for the dressing room and such, simply so he can show how much it means to be a part of the team, which I believe is crucial.

I believe clubs require players that prioritize the badge above anything else.He is clearly one of them. I don’t believe anyone can deny that. To be honest, I believe that signing a new contract should be a simple option.

Middlesbrough should give Dael Fry a new deal regardless of his promotion chances.

As Day noted, Fry is not a definite starter for Middlesbrough, as evidenced by his 19 Championship starts this season.

Furthermore, the centre-back lacks the technical abilities of certain modern-day defenders, therefore he tends to play direct rather than short passes when under pressure.

Fry has only ever played for Middlesbrough, with the exception of a loan spell at Rotherham United in 2016, demonstrating his devotion to his hometown club.

His leadership and exceptional attitude demonstrate that he would be an asset to Boro in either the Championship or the Premier League, and he should be offered a new contract ahead of the 2026/27 season.