Middlesbrough have confirmed their EFL squad list for the 2026-27 season, with two players told they could leave this summer making the final cut. The list includes 24 of the permitted 25 players, leaving one slot vacant. Head coach Kim Hellberg's side, currently sitting 3rd in the Championship with 10 points from five games, have opted to register wingers Micah Hamilton and Alex Bangura as emergency cover.
Neither player was assigned a squad number and both were available for transfer throughout the window. With no moves materialising, they have been included on the submitted list. This decision provides Hellberg with additional options should his squad be hit by injuries before the January window opens. If they had not been registered and a crisis struck, the club could not have added them to play league matches until the new year.
Why were Hamilton and Bangura included?
The primary reason for including Micah Hamilton and Alex Bangura is pragmatic squad management. Both players are well down the pecking order at the Riverside but remain eligible to train with the first-team squad. Their registration acts as an insurance policy. Should they impress in training or if the team suffers a spate of injuries, they are now eligible to be called upon for Championship fixtures. The alternative would have left Middlesbrough potentially short-handed in specific positions.
This approach reflects a cautious strategy from the recruitment team after a busy summer that saw 12 new arrivals. The club's strong start to the campaign, which includes eight goals scored and just five conceded, means there is little need to rush fringe players into action. However, having them registered provides a safety net that does not currently cost a squad place, as the total sits at 24.
What does the one open squad spot mean?
By submitting only 24 names, Middlesbrough have deliberately left one space in their 25-man squad list. EFL rules allow clubs to sign free agents outside of the transfer window if they have room in their registered squad. This gives Hellberg and the sporting director flexibility to react to any unforeseen circumstances, such as a long-term injury to a key player in the coming months.
There are no immediate plans to fill this vacancy following the extensive summer recruitment drive. The open slot is simply a strategic option held in reserve. Fans can track any potential additions to the group via the club's official squad page. The full squad depth is being tested in a positive way, with the team just one point behind league leaders West Ham.
Which players are not required to be registered?
Alongside the 24 senior players, Middlesbrough have several promising under-21 talents who do not count towards the EFL's quota. This group includes striker Will Lankshear, defender Ashley Phillips, midfielder Leo Castledine, and youngsters Josh Dede and Law McCabe. These players are eligible to feature for the first team at any time without needing to be named on the main squad list, offering Hellberg further flexibility from the academy ranks.
Their development will be monitored closely, with opportunities likely to arise in cup competitions or from the bench in league matches. The full list of registered players is: Max Arfsten, Alex Bangura, Connor Barron, Sebastian Berhalter, Neto Borges, Sol Brynn, Callum Brittain, Sam Byram, Conway, Cozier-Duberry, George Edmundson, Micah Hamilton, Myles Peart-Harris, Alfie Jones, Kyle Joseph, Adilson Malanda, Riley McGree, Jon McLaughlin, Aidan Morris, Rokas Pukstas, Jeremy Sarmiento, David Strelec, Radek Vitek, and Luke Ayling.
Attention now turns fully to the pitch, where Middlesbrough aim to maintain their early season form. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Norwich City on September 12, a match you can find details for on our fixtures schedule. The team's current standing of 3rd place can be followed on the live standings table.
