Middlesbrough have slipped in their quest for a top-two finish and automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

The Smoggies have been outstanding for the most of Kim Hellberg’s short reign, since the former Hammarby manager replaced Rob Edwards in November, but the space between them and the pursuing pack is diminishing as league leaders Coventry City move away.

Conor Coady scored the only goal of the game in midweek as Charlton Athletic defeated Boro 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Teesside, leaving them with just two victories in six meetings since leapfrogging Coventry to top the standings in mid-February.

As they prepare for all possibilities, the summer transfer window promises to be an exciting one for the club, and one man they have been linked with is Charlie Hughes.

Middlesbrough alerted about the recruitment of Charlie Hughes.

In the January transfer window, Middlesbrough were interested in signing Hull City centre-back Charlie Hughes.

A deal for the 22-year-old defender never materialised, and he has remained with the Tigers as they strive for promotion, now lying fifth in the table and six points behind Middlesbrough with nine games remaining.

Despite being regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the EFL, FLW’s Middlesbrough Fan Pundit Liam Day believes that ‘Boro should explore alternatives to Hughes should they ever be promoted.

Liam replies, “I absolutely think he’d be a good choice for ‘Boro.

“He appears to be very talented, but I’m not convinced ‘Boro will need youthful prospects if we are promoted.

“You need the appropriate blend; look at what Sunderland has done. I’d like to gain more experience at the highest level. I’m not necessarily looking for someone beyond the age of 30, but someone who has played in La Liga or the Bundesliga. I’m not sure who it is, but I’m sure the recruitment staff will have things planned and ready.

This post is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which features unique perspectives from our FLW Fan Pundits on the most recent breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings, and more…

Middlesbrough have slipped in their quest for a top-two finish and automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

The Smoggies have been outstanding for the most of Kim Hellberg’s short reign, since the former Hammarby manager replaced Rob Edwards in November, but the space between them and the pursuing pack is diminishing as league leaders Coventry City move away.

Conor Coady scored the only goal of the game in midweek as Charlton Athletic defeated Boro 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium on Teesside, leaving them with just two victories in six meetings since leapfrogging Coventry to top the standings in mid-February.

As they prepare for all possibilities, the summer transfer window promises to be an exciting one for the club, and one man they have been linked with is Charlie Hughes.

Middlesbrough alerted about the recruitment of Charlie Hughes.
Charlie Hughes
In the January transfer window, Middlesbrough were interested in signing Hull City centre-back Charlie Hughes.

A deal for the 22-year-old defender never materialised, and he has remained with the Tigers as they strive for promotion, now lying fifth in the table and six points behind Middlesbrough with nine games remaining.

Despite being regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the EFL, FLW’s Middlesbrough Fan Pundit Liam Day believes that ‘Boro should explore alternatives to Hughes should they ever be promoted.

Liam replies, “I absolutely think he’d be a good choice for ‘Boro.

“He appears to be very talented, but I’m not convinced ‘Boro will need youthful prospects if we are promoted.

“You need the appropriate blend; look at what Sunderland has done. I’d like to gain more experience at the highest level. I’m not necessarily looking for someone beyond the age of 30, but someone who has played in La Liga or the Bundesliga. I’m not sure who it is, but I’m sure the recruitment staff will have things planned and ready.

Is Charlie Hughes a decent purchase for Middlesbrough if they are promoted to the Premier League? Please share your ideas below!

“I’m not opposed to signing players from the Championship. Consider previous teams that have achieved this, such as Ipswich and Luton. They were supposed to have a’super team’, but they haven’t done especially well in the Premier League or when they’ve been relegated.

“I want us to go for it and get big players. Not necessarily well-known players, but those who have demonstrated the ability to compete at the highest level.

“Maybe he (Hughes) can but I’m not sure he’s ready now and I think we need players who are ready now.”

Charlie Hughes was and has been sheer class at Wigan and then Hull.

Wigan Athletic’s production line has developed an exceptionally excellent reputation, with several crucial members of their first-team squad, most notably Sam Tickle and James Carragher, rising through the ranks.

In recent years, the Latics have been able to cash in on promising young players like Jensen Weir and Alfie Devine, as well as Charlie Hughes’ Hull teammate Joe Gelhardt.

Perhaps the most notable graduate is Hughes, who was brilliant for Wigan, making 76 games before moving to Hull for a large fee in the summer of 2024.

Hughes has also established himself as a crucial player for the Tigers, and he is expected to command a hefty price this summer, with interest expected to be significant if Hull fail to get promotion.

Coventry were connected with a move for him last year and had a bid of £7 million rejected, and an even larger price may be requested for this summer, so Middlesbrough will have to pay a premium if they want to re-sign the Golborne-born defender.