Samuel Iling-Junior has posted a farewell message to Middlesbrough after his short loan spell at the club came to an end.
Joining from Aston Villa in January after his loan at Bologna was cut short, Iling-Junior overcame a difficult start to make 16 appearances for Michael Carrick’s side. He managed one goal and two assists in a [Boro](https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/all-about/middlesbrough-fc) shirt, but was unable to do enough to help the club achieve a play-off place this term.
After his exit was confirmed in Boro’s retained list announced on Friday, Iling-Junior took to Instagram, posting a message on his stories. It read: “A tough ending. Wishing my best to the fans and most of all the team and staff who welcomed me into a warm environment. It was short, but sweet and memorable. UTB.”
Iling-Junior was one of five loan players at the club this summer, none of which are expected to make a return to the Riverside for next season. Boro were keen on re-signing Mark Travers but indications suggest that they will be priced out of such a deal. There had been some consideration over exploring a further loan move for Iling-Junior at one point too, but that now won’t be happening. Iling-Junior will return to Villa this summer but his future is uncertain with a first-team breakthrough there unlikely but reports of interest from Napoli.
Iling-Junior spent the majority of his time at Boro playing at left-back after defensive injuries forced him into the deeper role. As well as having Neto Borges back for the final game of the season, Boro will also welcome Alex Bangura back for the start of pre-season as well.
The Villa man was initially signed to add to Boro’s wing options though, with his impact in those advanced roles limited. Boro have made strengthening their forward options this summer one of their main priorities, with Ben Doak’s loan spell from Liverpool also ending.