Riley McGree has expressed his “love” for Middlesbrough and the fans as the midfielder enters the final year of his contract on Teesside.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, McGree says he plans to tackle the upcoming season as he would any other.
Boro have spoken with McGree’s representation and are eager to maintain the Australian international, but they are understandably reluctant to change their current wage structure.
McGree is an important player for Boro, but he only started 14 of the 46 Championship games in the most recent season due to physical setbacks.
The 25-year-old underwent foot surgery, which kept him out of the closing weeks of the Championship game and forced him to miss this month’s Australia World Cup qualifier. The Socceroos defeated Bangladesh yesterday and face Palestine next week.
McGree is now in Australia but will return to the UK later this month, with Boro’s players slated to report back for pre-season at the end of June. McGree told 7News Adelaide in his hometown, “Every season is significant. I’m going out there as I would in any season, whether it’s with Middlesbrough or elsewhere.
“I must mention that I enjoy the club and its members.
McGree scored four league goals and provided two assists last season. He scored two additional goals and provided two assists in the Carabao Cup.
The best of his goals was his winner against old club Birmingham.
McGree may have a record for stunners, but he admits: “I’d love a tap-in. I’d love to be the type of player who knows where the ball will land.”
With McGree out injured, Finn Azaz spent a lot of time on the left flank for Boro in the second half of the season. Boro are believed to be looking for another versatile forward who can play at No.10 this summer, as well as a striker.
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