Middlesbrough release Ademola Lookman’s cousin

Middlesbrough have confirmed their retained and released list at the end of the 2025–2026 campaign, with forward Hazeem Bakre among those leaving the club when his contract expires on June 30.

The update follows a season that ended in bitter disappointment after their Championship playoff final defeat at Wembley.

The Teesside club fell short of Premier League promotion in dramatic circumstances, conceding a stoppage-time goal against the side featuring Semi Ajayi.

The late setback denied Middlesbrough a return to the top flight and marked a painful conclusion to a campaign that had raised expectations across the fanbase.

Bakre among departures as academy pathway resets

Among the players affected by the end-of-season decisions is 20-year-old Hazeem Bakre, a product of the club’s youth structure who will depart after the expiry of his first professional deal.

Bakre joined Middlesbrough’s academy setup towards the end of the 2023–2024 season after previously spending time with Huddersfield Town. He went on to sign his first professional contract in the summer of 2024, but his progress at senior level remained limited as he continued his development within the club’s youth and reserve systems.

During the 2025–2026 season, he featured regularly for the U21 side in both Premier League 2 and the National League Cup, gaining experience in competitive development fixtures.

Loan spell and international decision

The forward also spent part of the previous campaign on loan at Darlington, where he registered one goal and one assist in 15 league appearances, adding valuable senior minutes to his development profile.

Born in south-east London in 2005, Bakre is eligible for Nigeria and has opted to represent the Super Eagles at international level. His decision places him within a growing group of England-developed players committing their futures to African national teams.

Bakre also has a notable family link in the game, having previously confirmed that he is a cousin of former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman through his father’s side, adding a personal dimension to his footballing journey.

Wider rebuilding after playoff setback

Middlesbrough’s decision to release several players reflects a broader summer restructuring following their near miss in the Championship playoff final. The club’s campaign, which had carried momentum into the postseason, ended in heartbreak at Wembley after a late decisive moment swung the contest.

The result prompted an immediate reassessment of squad depth and development planning as the club prepares for another promotion push next season. Like many Championship sides operating in a high-pressure environment, Middlesbrough continue to balance short-term ambition with long-term player development.

Bakre’s departure forms part of that wider cycle of transition, where academy graduates either move into senior football elsewhere or continue their progression in new environments after leaving Teesside.