Middlesbrough have been busy when it comes to academy contracts in recent days.
On Tuesday, the club announced that Charlie Lennon had signed a new contract at The Riverside Stadium.
The winger has signed a new two-year deal that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season.
That was then followed up on Wednesday with another new deal. This time, midfielder Charlie Woolston has extended his deal, until the summer of 2027.
Now, it seems as though those new deals that have been handed by Middlesbrough, have gone down well rather well.
Middlesbrough praised for contract action
With these two players having signed those deals, both now have their places at the club secure for the forseeable future.
That is something that journalist Phil Spencer believes is a smart move for ‘Boro to make. Indeed, he he is even keen to see the pair get their first opportunities for Michael Carrick‘s side in the coming weeks.
Currently, both players are still waiting to make their first-team debuts for the club.
Taking to X to react to these two new contracts for the Middlesbrough contracts, the reporter said:
“Charlie Lennon and now Luke Woolston getting contracts at the club is very encouraging. I’d love to see them on the bench and getting first team minutes before the end of the season. Let’s get them integrated early and given time to adjust to Carrick’s plans.”
Middlesbrough are next in action on Friday 29th March. That sees them travel to St Mary’s to face Southampton.
‘Boro are currently 10th in the Championship table, seven points adrift of the play-off places.
Young duo deserve first-team opportunities
It certainly looks as though giving new contracts to Woolston and Lennon is a smart move for Middlesbrough to make.
The teenagers are both making decent progress through the academy ranks at the club.
As a result, it does seem as though there is a fair amount of potential that could be unlocked within the duo.
With that in mind, it makes sense for ‘Boro to keep them around for the time being. By doing so, they are the ones in a position to benefit from that.
It also means that if any other clubs do make a move for them anytime soon, Middlesbrough will be in a decent position to demand a fee for their services.
Beyond that, giving the duo a chance in the first-team between now and the end of the season could make sense.
If ‘Boro drop out of the play-off race, the latter games of the campaign will be a good opportunity for the pair to get used to the demands of first-team football, while the pressure is off.
Such an opportunity would also prove they have made the right decision in extending their contracts.
That therefore, feels like something Middlesbrough need to be keeping in mind.