Dream Middlesbrough transfer window as Hayden Hackney stays, new right-back signed and more

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Middlesbrough are eyeing a big summer window as they once again try and make a push for Premier League promotion.

Boro ended 2024/25 in 10th place and have recently taken the decision to sack manager Michael Carrick.

Despite currently being without a boss, Middlesbrough are working on transfers behind the scenes, with four or five positions being looked at.

Steve Gibson wants to invest once again this summer with the goal of finally returning to the Premier League.

With this in mind, we have taken a look at what a dream Middlesbrough summer transfer window would look like.

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Hayden Hackney stays but Middlesbrough move players on

The major story at the Riverside Stadium this summer is expected to be the future of Hayden Hackney.

The midfielder has shone since emerging from the club’s academy, but Hackney is the most likely player to be sold because any sale would be 100 percent profit and help Middlesbrough balance their books.

But, as we saw last summer, Gibson has put his foot down when it comes to sales of top stars in the past, keeping all of Hackney, Rav van den Berg, and Emmanuel Latte Lath despite interest.

Granted, Latte Lath has since moved on, but it would be great if the Boro chairman adopted a similar stance to the one he had in the summer of 2024 and kept the England U21 international.

While Hackney staying would be ideal, Middlesbrough could move on Luke Ayling.

Elsewhere, fringe players like Alex Bangura, Seny Dieng, and Darragh Lenihan should be sold or let go to make room for higher-quality squad players.

The signings Middlesbrough need to make this summer

Middlesbrough are ‘desperate’ to sign a right-back in the coming months now that Ayling is their only natural option.

Plymouth Argyle defender Bali Mumba has been looked at previously and remains a player Boro like, we understand.

Elsewhere, a new right-winger should be looked at following Ben Doak’s loan ending and Isaiah Jones being sold.

Blackburn Rovers’ Tyrhys Dolan is of interest to Middlesbrough, but it remains to be seen what the future holds for the soon-to-be free agent.

As well as improving the right side of the pitch, a new centre-forward to replace Emmanuel Latte Lath should be targeted, and another quality centre-back to rotate with Van den Berg and Dael Fry is needed.

Competition for Neto Borges at left-back and potentially another central midfielder should be signed as well, depending on exits.

In reality, barring perhaps the number 10 role, and left-wing if Riley McGree can stay fit, every area of the squad probably needs to be upgraded.