Confirmed: Lookman's cousin released by Middlesbrough after playoff heartbreak

EFL Championship club Middlesbrough have announced their retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2025–2026 season.

The update comes after the club's involvement in the Championship playoffs, where they suffered heartbreak in last weekend's Wembley final against Semi Ajayi's, conceding a stoppage-time goal.

Among the players set to leave the club when their contracts expire on June 30 is promising forward Hazeem Bakre.

Bakre previously confirmed to allnigeriasoccer.com that he is a cousin of former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman through his father's side.

Bakre joined Middlesbrough’s U18 side towards the end of the 2023–2024 season following a spell with Huddersfield Town.

The 20-year-old signed his first professional contract with Boro in the summer of 2024, with the deal set to expire at the end of next month.

He spent the second half of last season on loan at National League North side Darlington, where he registered one goal and one assist in fifteen league appearances.

During his final season with the Teessiders, Bakre featured for the club’s U21 side in both Premier League 2 and the National League Cup.

Born in south-east London in 2005, the forward has chosen to represent Nigeria at international level rather than England.