Middlesbrough will try to compete for promotion to the Premier League again next season after coming within one win of the top tier.

The Teesside club was in the top two for much of the season until dropping to fifth in the final game.

Kim Hellberg’s side lost 2-1 on aggregate against Southampton in the play-off semi-final, but were nonetheless awarded a place in the final due to the Saints’ elimination from the competition.

However, a 1-0 loss to Hull City destroyed their hopes of returning to the Premier League for term, with Oli McBurnie’s stoppage-time goal separating the clubs.

Borough will now be looking to bolster their first-team squad throughout the summer in order to take their promotion campaign to the next level.

This will be Hellberg’s first preseason in command of the Riverside, and he will be eager to put his mark on the squad after taking over as head coach in November.

How Middlesbrough feel about signing Alan Browne.

According to The Northern Echo, Alan Browne will not be returning to Middlesbrough for the upcoming season.

The midfielder spent the season on loan at Borough, making 38 regular league games.

He moved from Sunderland after assisting the Black Cats’ promotion to the Premier League, and he has since returned to the Stadium of Light.

And, while he is poised to depart the Wearside club, a return to Middlesbrough is unlikely.

Browne joined Sunderland as a free agent in 2024 and has a 12-month deal with the club, however it is unclear where he will play next season.

How Middlesbrough fans feel about Alan Browne’s choice.

Middlesbrough fans have made it obvious that they are fine with the decision not to seek another trade for Browne, implying that he is not a suitable fit for Hellberg’s club.

https://x.com/Joeboro196/status/2069013404279267676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2069013404279267676%7Ctwgr%5Ec775d79bb1b9489421640336f69e103fe24e729b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ffootballleagueworld.co.uk%2Falan-browne-to-return-to-middlesbrough-new-update-drops%2F

Supporters believe that the squad requires players of higher calibre than the midfielder in order to compete for promotion again next season.

Alan Browne is unsuitable for Middlesbrough’s ambitions.

Browne was a valuable addition to the Borough squad last season, but he will need to improve in order to be competitive in the Championship.

The Irishman has failed to establish himself as a top talent at this level, and if he is re-signed, he will play in the Riverside squad.

With Hackney’s future uncertain, Middlesbrough will need to enhance their other options from last season to compensate for his potential absence.

While Browne may be able to contribute off the bench, Borough would be better served relying on someone young and inexperienced to bridge the gap to the division’s elite teams next season.