This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Chuba Akpom is continuing to impress as Middlesbrough continue their impressive form in the Championship.

The Boro striker grabbed his 16^th goal of the Championship season at the weekend, as Middlesbrough ran out comfortable winners against Blackpool.

The 27-year-old is the divisions leading goal scorer and his impressive form throughout this season did catch the eye of interested parties in January.

Premier League teams such as Everton, Crystal Palace, and Southampton were all taking notice of the striker, but neither went as far as making an offer.

As Akpom continues to impress at Middlesbrough, we asked some of our writers at FLW, if they think Chuba Akpom will still be a Boro player this time next year.

Declan Harte

The Boro forward has had a sensational last six months, making an unexpected return to action for the team and thriving.

Akpom is the Championship’s top scorer with 16 goals, four clear of the next best, and is powering the team’s rise to a play-off place.

His future with Boro is up in the air, but if he can help the club to Premier League promotion then a new contract could well be on the cards.

A lot may yet hinge on the conclusion of this season, as competing in the top flight will now surely be the striker’s aim.

However, even if the club does fail to gain promotion, then perhaps refusing to cash-in on his value could be beneficial in order to really push for a top two finish next season.

In that sense, it could take a really big-money offer for Boro to consider a sale.

Brett Worthington

Akpom has been a completely different player this season and seems to have gone to another level since Michael Carrick’s arrival as Middlesbrough manager.

The 27-year-old had found his time at the Riverside Stadium somewhat of a struggle since arriving; however, this season, the striker has played some of his best football and has become an important part of Carrick’s team.

Akpom has played a crucial role in helping Middlesbrough become a play-off contender, and on their current form, you wouldn’t bet against them being in the play-offs come May.

So, if Boro were to gain promotion, you may expect the 27-year-old to still be at Riverside Stadium next year.

However, if Akpom continues on this current run, he is definitely going to attract more interest ahead of the summer transfer window. Plus, Boro only have a one-year extension clause, meaning if Middlesbrough receive a very tempting offer, it may be too hard for them to turn it down.

As a result, if Akpom maintains his current form, he could be expected to leave this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adam Jones

If you had asked me that question whilst Boro were under the stewardship of Chris Wilder, I would have said no but he has been exceptional under Michael Carrick.

He may have impressed under Wilder during the early stages of this season - but he seemed to be surplus to requirements at the Riverside until they struggled to bring forwards in.

Carrick has been loyal to Akpom and you feel the ex-Arsenal man could potentially repay that regardless of whether they end up in the Premier League next season or not.

A move in the summer could disrupt his momentum and that's the last thing he needs, although a top-tier move could potentially be tempting considering another offer may not come along in the future.

That makes this question an extremely difficult one - but you would probably back Boro to tie him down for the long term.