We've taken a look (via Transfermarkt data) at how Middlesbrough's five-year transfer net spend compares to every other Championship side, along with each teams most expensive signing over the period. Here's where Boro rank in the intriguing spending league table:
17. Middlesbrough - -£3.9m net spend last five seasons
Biggest season net spend: -£31m. Highest transfer fee paid: £15m for Britt Assombalonga from Nottingham Forest in 2017. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
18. Watford - -£16.5m net spend last five seasons
Biggest season net spend: -£49m. Highest transfer fee paid: £30m for Ismaila Sarr from Stade Rennais in 2019. Photo: Richard Heathcote
19. Sheffield Wednesday - -£19m net spend last five seasons
Biggest season net spend: -£13.7m. Highest transfer fee paid: £10m for Jordan Rhodes from Cardiff City in 2017. Photo: Alex Pantling
20. Reading - -£25.9m net spend last five seasons
Biggest season net spend: -£10.9m. Highest transfer fee paid: £7.5m for George Puscas from Internazionale in 2019. Photo: Naomi Baker