Middlesbrough's transfer work continues as they prepare to start their new season. Boro host Wrexham on Friday evening in the first round of the Carabao Cup, which is the first competitive game of the new season. Kim Hellberg's side could head into the game with a fifth player signed, with the current hope to wrap up a deal before Thursday's 12pm deadline to have USA international Max Arfsten available. After Arfsten, Boro will still need more. A centre-back, goalkeeper, midfielder, and forward are still on the club's wishlist. But outgoings will be needed too. Their squad is full of players who will need to move on if they're to play regularly in the new season, with Championship rules limiting how many players Boro can have in their squad.
What happened?
Boro are on the verge of completing a deal for Radek Vitek and Ashley Phillips, with the pair undergoing medicals today. The £7m deal is reportedly very similar to Lankshear, with £13m of potential performance-related add-ons. Tottenham have a sell-on fee and a matching rights agreement.
Why it matters for Middlesbrough
The transfer business is crucial for Middlesbrough's chances in the new season. With a fifth player signed, Boro will be looking to build on their 5th place finish in the Championship last season, where they accumulated 80 points from 46 games. They are currently 15 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race.
What comes next?
Boro will be looking to continue their transfer business in the coming days, with a centre-back, goalkeeper, midfielder, and forward still on the club's wishlist. The club's manager, Kim Hellberg, has confirmed that Max Arfsten will be involved in some capacity, and Kyle Joseph will be in the squad. Beyond that, he admitted honestly that this cup game is not as important as Lincoln in a week, which kicks off Boro's league campaign. As such, he's not going to risk any injured player in this game or push them back too early.
Transfer news
Boro have been linked with several players in the transfer market, including USA international Max Arfsten. The club's manager, Kim Hellberg, has confirmed that Arfsten will be involved in some capacity, and Kyle Joseph will be in the squad. The £7m deal for Radek Vitek and Ashley Phillips is reportedly nearing completion, with the pair undergoing medicals today.
League standing
Middlesbrough finished 5th in the Championship last season, accumulating 80 points from 46 games. They are currently 15 points behind leaders Coventry in the title race.
Goals this season
Middlesbrough have scored 72 goals and conceded 47 this season, with a +25 goal difference.
Next fixture
Boro's next fixture is against Birmingham at home on 2027-02-20, where they will be looking to continue their good form.
Image prompt
A photorealistic image of an anonymous Boro player, aged 25-30, wearing a white shirt with a blue collar and sleeves, and blue shorts. The player is shown in a tight action crop, with their face complete and visible, and their eyes focused on the ball. The lens is a 50mm f/1.4, with a shallow depth of field and floodlight rim light. The player is shown in mid-action, with their legs bent and their arms outstretched. The background is thrown out of focus, with the player filling the frame.
