Middlesbrough Eye Hull City Striker Kyle Joseph in Summer Transfer Push

Middlesbrough Target Kyle Joseph as Carrick Plans Attacking Overhaul

Middlesbrough are exploring the possibility of signing Hull City striker Kyle Joseph this summer, according to emerging reports. The Teesside club are keen to reinforce their forward line ahead of the new Championship campaign.

Michael Carrick's side finished the 2024/25 season in mid-table, scoring 58 goals in 46 league matches — the 12th-best attacking record in the division. That tally highlighted a need for greater firepower if Boro are to challenge for promotion next term.

Kyle Joseph's Season at Hull City

Kyle Joseph, 23, joined Hull City in 2023 from Swansea City. The forward has featured primarily as a centre-forward but can also operate on either wing. During the 2024/25 season, Joseph made 34 Championship appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 3 assists.

His form was inconsistent, with goals coming in bursts — including a run of three in four matches in October. However, injuries limited his involvement in the second half of the campaign, restricting him to just two starts after February.

Joseph's pace and physicality make him a handful for defenders, but his finishing has drawn criticism from Hull fans, with a conversion rate of just 12.5% from 64 shots. Despite this, his off-the-ball movement and ability to stretch defences could suit Carrick's possession-based system.

What Joseph Would Bring to Middlesbrough

Carrick typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, with a lone striker supported by two number 10s or wide attackers. Last season, Josh Coburn led the line effectively, scoring 14 goals, but a lack of reliable backup forced the manager to rely on inexperienced academy graduates.

Joseph would provide competition for Coburn and offer a different profile — quicker and more direct. His ability to run in behind could be particularly useful against deep-lying Championship defences, a weakness Boro struggled to exploit last season.

From a tactical perspective, Joseph's arrival would allow Carrick to rotate his forward line more effectively, reducing burnout and maintaining intensity across a 46-game season. His work rate also aligns with the high-pressing demands Carrick places on his front players.

Transfer Market Context

Kyle Joseph is under contract at Hull City until June 2027, meaning Middlesbrough would need to negotiate a transfer fee. Hull are likely to demand at least £2 million, given his age and potential.
Comparable signings in the Championship include Sunderland's £2.5 million purchase of Ross Stewart in 2021 and Blackburn's £1.2 million for Sam Gallagher in 2021.
Boro's summer budget is understood to be modest, with owner Steve Gibson prioritising a sustainable approach. Any deal for Joseph would likely be structured with add-ons if promotion is achieved.

What This Means for the Promotion Race

Middlesbrough finished 10th in the 2024/25 Championship, 14 points adrift of the play-offs. To bridge that gap, Carrick needs consistent goal-scoring — Boro drew eight matches 1-1 last season, often due to missed chances in the final third.

Joseph may not be a marquee signing, but his profile aligns with the club's data-driven recruitment strategy under head of football operations Kieran Scott. If Carrick can improve Joseph's finishing — as he did with Coburn, who scored 6 goals in his first 22 matches then 8 in the final 24 — the deal could prove astute.

The move also reflects a shift away from relying solely on Premier League loans. Last season, Middlesbrough used three loan forwards; building a permanent core around players like Joseph would provide greater stability.

Fixture and FPL Impact

Middlesbrough's opening fixtures include home ties against Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City — games where a striker like Joseph could thrive. Fantasy Championship managers should monitor his pre-season form; if he becomes Carrick's first-choice, his price tag of around £5.5 million could offer value.

Our Prediction

A deal is likely to be finalised by mid-July, with Middlesbrough expected to pay an initial £1.5 million rising to £2.5 million with performance-related bonuses. Joseph would become the club's third summer signing, following the arrivals of full-back Alex Bangura and winger Morgan Whittaker.

His success will hinge on fitness. If he stays injury-free, Carrick could unlock the potential that made him a sought-after prospect at Swansea three years ago. For Hull, the sale would represent a profit on a player who arrived for an undisclosed fee but has yet to fully convince.