Radek Vitek signs: Middlesbrough's dream XI to face Lincoln on Championship opening day | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at what Middlesbrough's dream starting XI on the opening day to face Lincoln City may look like

Middlesbrough will be keen to put last season's disappointment of missing out on promotion via the play-offs behind them, as Kim Hellberg continues to work tirelessly in the transfer market for some key additions.

The summer transfer window is heating up on Teesside, with Middlesbrough looking to be increasingly active in the window.

The sale of Hayden Hackney, whilst a huge blow, has collected them around £24 million, as Morgan Rogers' move from Aston Villa to Chelsea has seen Boro net 20 per cent of the fee due to a sell-on clause in the deal, worth around £20.4 million, as Boro see a huge influx of money head their way.

Hellberg has already splashed a hefty amount this window, but the Swede, who will have his eyes firmly set on promotion, does not look to be done there, as FLW takes a look at Boro's dream starting XI for their opening day clash at home to Lincoln City.

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Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek spent last season on loan in the Championship with Bristol City, and, according to FotMob, prevented 5.36 goals across the campaign for the Robins.

The Czech shot-stopper has already stated his desire to leave the Red Devils this summer, as Middlesbrough have since held conversations with the Premier League side over a potential move, but face competition from Hull City and Celtic.

The 22-year-old won't come cheap, but would be a huge upgrade between the sticks on Sol Brynn, and has the ability to draw games Boro should lose, and win games they should draw, and could prove to be the difference-maker next year, just like Carl Rushworth for Coventry City.

Callum Brittain

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English right-back Callum Brittain came through the ranks at MK Dons before going on to excel with Barnsley and then Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, eventually joining Middlesbrough in the summer of 2025 for around £3.5 million.

He'd make 41 Championship appearances during his first year on Teesside, as the 28-year-old's spot in the starting XI looks to be as nailed-on as they come ahead of next campaign.

Ashley Phillips

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Ashley Phillips has actually yet to make a single first-team appearance for the North London outfit, having joined Spurs in the summer of 2023 for just £2 million.

The England youth international, who is also eligible to represent Wales, has spent one-year on loan with Plymouth Argyle and two on loan with Stoke City, each in the Championship, and impressing in all.

Middlesbrough have reportedly been in talks with Spurs over a permanent deal for the 21-year-old defender, who is valued at around £12 million, and would join and instantly improve their back line.

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Adilson Malanda was technically signed by Middlesbrough in the summer of 2025, but wouldn't officially join the club until six months later.

Boro agreed a fee worth $8 million (£6 million) with MLS side Charlotte for the dominant French defender, penning a five-year deal at the Riverside, and like Brittain, his place in the side doesn't appear to be under any sort of threat anytime soon.

The 24-year-old made 21 appearances after joining in January, barely put a foot wrong, and will surely only get better the more time he spends at the club.

Max Arfsten

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The first of three Americans in a row in this starting XI, Columbus Crew's versatile player Max Arfsten has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough dating back over a year.

Rumours of a move for the left-sided midfielder/defender have since resurfaced, with the American, who was a part of Mauricio Pochettino's USA side at the recent World Cup, potentially on his way to Teesside.

Capable of playing anywhere down the left, Arfsten would likely fill the void left by Matt Targett at left-back for Boro, and remains their ideal candidate.

The second American on this list, Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter has just complete a $2 million (£1.5 million) move to Boro this summer to replace Hackney.

Appearing in all five games for his country at the World Cup, the 25-year-old has six goals and four assists from midfield in 14 MLS games so far this season, but now looks to showcase his talents in England's North-East, where he will partner a player he knows all too well.

Aidan Morris

The third and final American on this list, Aidan Morris is now entering his third season on Teesside, having joined Middlesbrough from Columbus Crew in the summer of 2024 for around $4 million (£3.14 million).

Having been capped 14 times by his country, Morris missed the cut to join his soon-to-be teammate at the recent World Cup, but will be eager to rekindle his relationship with Berhalter, whilst proving that Pochettino made a mistake in leaving him out.

Morgan Whittaker

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Morgan Whittaker has divided Boro fans' opinions ever since his £5 million move from Plymouth Argyle in January 2025.

The Englishman failed to find the back of the net during his first nine months at the club, but found his shooting boots shortly after netting his first, and would end last campaign with 14 goals and seven assists in 40 Championship appearances for the club.

His streaky nature has frustrated supporters, but only a fool would deny his quality, and his place on the right side of attack is relatively safe heading into next season.

David Strelec

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Slovakian attacker David Strelec managed to score 62 goals and grab 28 assists in 170 appearances across all competitions during two spells with his boyhood club Slovan Bratislava, and tempted Middlesbrough into parting ways with £6.5 million last summer to bring him to Teesside.

Strelec is capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, but thrives when on the ball in tight pockets, and more often than not played in behind the main centre-forward last season, where he scored eight and assisted once in 32 Championship games.

The 25-year-old will be hoping to take things up a gear next season, and will likely retain his place in the starting XI despite recent additions.

Kyle Joseph

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Kyle Joseph played a crucial role in Hull City's promotion to the Premier League last season, where, incidentally, his final game for the Tigers came against Boro at Wembley, as he has since completed a £5 million switch this summer.

Hellberg has backed Joseph to become a 15-20 goal-a-season striker at some stage in his career following his move, and capable of playing anywhere across the frontline, he can occupy the left flank for Boro to make room for their new star centre-forward.