Middlesbrough were not a bad attacking team last season, but Kim Hellberg’s side came under fire for a lack of consistency in front of goal during key times in the 2025/26 season.

Borough would win only four of their final 14 league games after losing 3-1 to Coventry City in mid-February, causing them to lose top spot.

Among them were 4-0 and 5-1 victories over QPR and Watford, respectively, but there were too many instances where the goalscoring well had dried up, and despite being dominant in games, Middlesbrough were unable to make that dominance count, dropping points against teams lower down the league.

It was also seen in the playoffs. Borough had the chance to end Southampton in the first half of their semi-final, but failed to score, and in the second leg, while scoring early, ran out of steam as Tonda Eckert’s Saints prevailed due to their depth. The play-off final was similar in that they controlled the game but were unable to break down Hull City.

So, attacking depth and more clinical striker options were high on the transfer wishlist this summer, and Kim Hellberg believes they have already won the jackpot.

Kim Hellberg feels Kyle Joseph can be a 20-goal-per-season striker.

This summer, the Riverside has already seen significant investment in the frontline.

Will Lankshear might become Middlesbrough’s record transfer if all add-ons are completed, but first, Kim Hellberg moved quickly to get Kyle Joseph from Hull for about £4 million.

The 24-year-old missed only two games for the Tigers last season as they finished sixth, scoring eight goals and assisting five, but he missed the play-off final due to an ankle injury sustained against Millwall in their semi-final win at the Den.

Joseph has recovered from his injury in time for pre-season, and Kim Hellberg is proving to be a promising addition for Borough.Kyle has several qualities that I admire, including his strength and ability to run at a fast speed. “That was something we didn’t have last season,” Hellberg told the Northern Echo.I believe he is also capable of scoring goals. He scored eight goals last season, but I believe he has the potential to increase that number next season. He’s capable of scoring 15-20 goals per season.

“I believe that based on what I’ve seen from him, including his good boxing movement, willingness to learn and grow, and drive. There are many things to like about him. “He can also press all over the pitch.”

With Lankshear starting training for the first time this week, as well as Tommy Conway, David Strelec, and Morgan Whittaker, Borough should have enough attacking talent that no single player needs to carry the mantle and score 20 next year.

But if Joseph takes that step and doubles his highest seasonal goalscoring tally at the Riverside in 2026/27, neither supporters nor Middlesbrough’s manager will complain.

How Middlesbrough fans have responded to Kim Hellberg’s Kyle Joseph prediction.

When Joseph first joined Middlesbrough, there was some mistrust among the fans. Last season, the 24-year-old scored two fewer goals than projected, similar to Conway, who received criticism from experts and Borough supporters for his wastefulness in front of goal.

However, Joseph scored eight goals on 47 shots, 35 fewer than Conway and less than half of what Whittaker took last season. Playing for a more ball-dominant team might provide the 24-year-old with the opportunity to score 20 goals.

Middlesbrough fans feel Joseph has the potential to score 20 goals next year, citing Kim Hellberg’s effect in his first half-season.”I have a sneaky feeling he and MPH [Myles Peart-Harris] will surprise a lot of us and be really good signings,” one fan wrote in response to a tweet promoting the Echo’s news. “I could only dream about it. “I hope he’s right,” another person added.This could be a legitimate business transaction. Coupled with Lankshear, it’s a wonderful start to the window,” a third fan remarked, and while there was frustration before the Spurs kid arrived, there’s now a renewed sense of optimism, with the 21-year-old leading the arrivals; it’s been a good window thus far.

Only time will tell if Joseph reaches 20 goals next season. If he does, the £4 million they spent on the 24-year-old will appear to be a very excellent business decision.