Middlesbrough are in second place in the Championship table at the halfway point of the 2025/2026 season. They are a significant eight points behind leaders Coventry City, but five points ahead of Ipswich Town in third place.
Boro has weathered a chaotic management change well Kim Hellberg has been introduced to English football in a brilliant way. They are playing exciting attacking football, and the Teesside faithful are clearly on the sideline.
Despite this, there is a growing feeling that January will be an important period for their season. Hellberg will be hoping to make his own signings as Boro look for the players who can push them over the line in the promotion race.
That said, we suggest three actions Middlesbrough should take in January to support their push for Premier League football…
New striker signed
As mentioned earlier, Middlesbrough has played brilliant attacking football under Hellberg. They scored 11 goals in his first four games at the helm.
However, things have dried up a bit with two blanks in the last two games. Tommy Conway and David Sagittarius have the striker positions locked down and Morgan Whittaker has once again starred on the right, but another wide player on the left could make the difference.
Some extra quality to provide coverage and competition for the likes of Riley McGree, Kaly Sene, Sontje Hansen and Micah Hamilton wouldn’t go amiss. Expect this to be a priority area for Boro.
Hayden Hackney bids rejected
Middlesbrough did well to fend off interest in Hayden Hackney this summer. The midfielder was widely expected to move, but when Ipswich Town emerged as a likely destination he turned it down.
His starring role in Boro’s success means January interest cannot be ruled out. It is said that it would take a huge bid to let him go under such circumstances, and they should stick to that.
Hackney’s transfer fate could easily be the difference between promotional success and heartbreak.
Edgemen from Middlesbrough moved on
Last but not least, now that a number of signings are planned, Middlesbrough must help players further. Not only will it balance the books, but it will also streamline Hellberg’s roster, allowing him to work with a tighter group in the promotional wave.
One man widely expected to move on is Seny Dieng, while Sol Brynn locks down the goalkeeper spot. Sam Silvera has had more difficult opportunities under Hellberg and there is a chance that Sverre Nypan will be recalled by Manchester City.
Furthermore, a new attacking signing could open the door for Micah Hamilton to be loaned out.
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