Michael Carrick has admitted that no final decision has been made on Anfernee Dijksteel’s Middlesbrough future, despite the defender enjoying his most consistent run of form since arriving at the club.
The full-back’s contract at the Riverside is set to expire this summer, raising fresh questions about his long-term role in Carrick’s squad. Dijksteel has featured in 25 of Boro’s 38 Championship fixtures this season and has established himself as first-choice right-back following Luke Ayling’s struggles with injury and form.
Dijksteel looked destined to leave the club last summer, and again attracted interest in January, with Millwall among the clubs keen to sign him. Middlesbrough would have sanctioned a move if a replacement had been secured.
Carrick: “Nothing Decided Yet”
Despite the uncertainty, Carrick was full of praise for the 27-year-old, acknowledging his impact and attitude.
“He’s played a lot this season and done a lot of good things. We’re really pleased with him. There’s always thinking going on in terms of the future and planning for how we might want it to look. Decisions like that are part of that thinking. There isn’t a decision made on anything yet. But, as time goes on, that will get sorted out one way or the other.”
Dijksteel made just eight league starts last term but has seized his opportunity in 2024/25. His two goals — both eerily similar finishes against Leeds and QPR — have underlined his growing influence in the final third, complementing his athleticism and defensive solidity.
Having joined Boro from Charlton Athletic in 2019 for a reported £2 million, Dijksteel initially found game time limited. But Carrick praised his professionalism and perseverance, citing him as a model example of a squad player stepping up.
“It just shows every player in the squad is important, whether they’re playing regularly or not. Everyone’s time will come and the key is to have the right attitude, keep working hard, keep training at the right level to be ready for whenever that next opportunity comes.”
Dijksteel, described by his manager as a “quiet lad” who always looks to learn, now finds himself at a crossroads — an important part of Carrick’s current plans, yet potentially surplus to requirements in a summer rebuild.
Writer’s View
Anfernee Dijksteel’s transformation this season is a testament to patience and professionalism. He’s gone from fringe figure to first-choice, but with his contract running down and Middlesbrough eyeing squad upgrades, he remains in limbo. Carrick clearly values his contribution, but with the club facing a pivotal summer, sentiment may not be enough to secure an extension.
