Middlesbrough fans have not seen much of Darragh Lenihan this season.
The centre back first made the move to The Riverside Stadium in the summer of 2022.
That saw him sign on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract with Blackburn Rovers.
Lenihan’s first season with Middlesbrough was a promising one. He made 43 appearances in all competitions, helping the club to reach the Championship play-offs.
This season however, has not gone so well. The 30-year-old suffered an ankle injury back in September, and has not played since. Indeed, it was confirmed in November that he will miss the rest of the campaign as a result of that setback.
Now, that injury looks as though it may be proving costly for ‘Boro both on and off the pitch.
How much does Darragh Lenihan earn at Middlesbrough
Michael Carrick‘s side have surely missed Lenihan’s presence in games over the course of the campaign.
He is a very good centre back at this level, and a useful source of leadership as well. That is arguably reflected in the club’s wage bill.
According to Salary Sport, Lenihan is Middlesbrough’s second highest earning player, being Nottingham Forest loanee Lewis O’Brien.
The centre back apparently makes £26,000 per week at The Riverside Stadium. That works out at £1.352million per year.
WhoScored meanwhile, state that Lenihan has made eight appearances for the club this season, playng 720 minutes.
That works out at a price of £169,000 per appearance, or just under £1,878 per minute played for Middlesbrough in the current campaign.
There are still two years remaining on Lenihan’s contract with the club. That secures his future at The Riverside Stadium until the end of the 2025/26 season.
‘Boro will want Darragh Lenihan back soon
While he has been ruled out for the season, Middlesbrough will no doubt still want Lenihan back as soon as possible.
The centre back has been a really solid option for them, since his move to The Riverside Stadium. Having his presence back on the pitch next season will therefore be important.
Indeed, with Paddy McNair out of contract and speculation around the future of Rav van den Berg, ‘Boro will likely need that extra depth at centre back as well.
Beyond that, this is not an insignificant investment that Middlesbrough are making on Lenihan when it comes to his wages.
They will understandably want to get a return on that, through his performances on the pitch.
Indeed, despite this setback, the time he has remaining on his contract, means Middlesbrough still have the chance to do that.