With less money to spend due to the coronavirus pandemic, negotiations have become harder when attempting to bring in new players ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
Here, we take a closer look at some of the deals which have caught the eye in the second tier so far this summer, and how some of Middlesbrough’s rivals are shaping-up:
1. Grant Hall (QPR to Middlesbrough, free transfer)
Boro made a promising start to the transfer window after signing the former QPR captain on a free transfer. Hall looks like he ticks a lot of boxes despite a lengthy injury setback a couple of years ago. The 28-year-old made 30 Championship appearances last season though. Photo: MFC
2. John Obi Mikel (Trabzonspor to Stoke, free transfer)
After leaving Boro in the summer of 2019, Mikel spent a year at Turkish side Trabzonspor but left the club due to coronavirus concerns. The 33-year-old is now back in England after signing for Stoke on a one-year deal. "We spent four hours talking and he made it clear he wants to get back into the Premier League and finish his career there," said Potters boss Michael O'Neill. Photo: George Wood
3. George Friend (Middlesbrough to Birmingham, free transfer)
Despite being offered a new deal at Boro, Friend decided to sign a longer contract at Birmingham following eight memorable years at the Riverside. His last season with the Teessiders was blighted by injury setbacks, but the 32-year-old did prove his fitness and ability at the end of the campaign. Boro fans will wish him well. Photo: Alex Livesey
4. Kieffer Moore (Wigan to Cardiff, £2million)
A player who was on Boro's radar but decided to join Championship rivals Cardiff despite interest from elsewhere. Moore, 28, scored 10 league goals for Wigan in the Championship last season and it will be interesting to see how the frontman performs for a side aiming for promotion. Photo: Nathan Stirk