Middlesborough have arguably one of the best squads in the Championship, but certain positions could be strengthened ahead of the new season.
Middlesborough were last promoted to the Premier League in the 2015/16 season, but found themselves back in the Championship at the first time of asking after immediate relegation.
Tony Pulis’s side will be hoping to emulate what they did only three seasons ago and will also be hopeful of cementing a permanent spot in the top flight if they do go up in 2019.
However, despite being one of the favourites for the Championship title this season, Middlesborough still need arrivals in three key areas to give them the best chance of achieving their promotion target.
Boro have arguably one of the best sides on paper this season, the reason for many fans on Teeside being hopeful of promotion. However, they could still do with a proven striker, with many of their current forwards having proved unreliable last season.
Britt Assombalonga netted 15 goals last term and looks to be the one to lead the line this season. But, after the Congolese striker, there are few proven options for Pulis to choose from, especially after Patrick Bamford left the club to join Leeds United.
Pulis could definitely do with a back-up forward in addition to his number nine, with the demands of the Football League resulting in Middlesborough needing to play more than 50 games next term.
One of Middlesborough’s best offensive weapons next season will be Adama Traore, with the player having scored five goals and assisting 10 times in the 2424 minutes he played last season.
However, with Traore having been linked with a move away from the Riverside this summer, Pulis may want to look for another winger who can replace the 22-year-old star before he almost inevitably departs Middlesborough.
Traore also had the odd injury problem which kept him sidelined last season, suggesting that Pulis may want to look for a squad player even if the Spaniard decides to stay on for another year.
Middlesborough have made some impressive midfield acquisitions this summer, with the most exciting arguably Paddy McNair; a player who showed great promise for local rivals Sunderland last season.
However, Boro still lack a creative central midfielder, with many of their midfield men being defensive-minded players who lack the ability to always go forward.
Apart from Traore, very few of the Middlesborough players chipped in on the assist front last season and Pulis may well want to rectify that with the signing of an attacking midfielder.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
