George Edmundson acknowledges that his contract with Ipswich Town expires at the end of the current campaign; thus, every game he plays for Middlesbrough will be an attempt to earn a contract.

The 27-year-old centre-back has signed a season-long loan with Boro, and head of football Kieran Scott has left open the possibility of a longer-term deal if the player can prove himself at the Riverside this year. Luke Ayling’s previous season, in which he earned a permanent contract at Boro while on a half-season loan from Leeds United, has been likened to the current scenario.
Edmundson had a strong start to his Boro career on Saturday, playing well enough to help his team but not quite good enough to win against Preston North End, to a disappointing degree at the Riverside. Nevertheless, the defender talked about his contract status during the Preston match, as he is keen to maintain his spot in the Boro lineup for as long as possible.

“I am playing for my next deal, as I am out of contract next year, and nobody likes to be a free agent,” he declared. I have to give my best, play well, and maybe accomplish something here because, who knows, you might want to play at the largest and greatest clubs. However, all I can do is act; Ignore that, and things will work themselves out.”
Edmundson joined Boro on the day of the deadline after club executives made a last-minute decision to bolster their defence. The decision was made because Rav van den Berg sustained an early injury that has prevented him from playing in Boro’s last three games, and Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan are still recovering from longer-term injuries.

There will be intense competition for a spot on the team as those players begin to return. Edmundson is well aware of and quite comfortable with the role he might have to play at Boro, despite his determination to drive the issue to play as much as possible. Edmundson spent two years at Ipswich, where he was not always the first choice but was nevertheless a dependable asset to the team whenever called upon.
He stated, “Different games require different players.” We are all unique, therefore, although some games may fit me, others may fit someone else. While getting picked is significant, those who do not cut are still a part of the squad, and I still want the boys to do well.

“You simply want that competitiveness, which just makes everybody better,” said the player who does not make the team and vice versa.