Former Boro favourite Craig Hignett knows exactly what Kim Hellberg's side need this summer
Stuart Jamieson Football Content Editor
09:59, 15 Jun 2026
Jayden Danns of Liverpool
Liverpool youngster Jayden Danns(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Middlesbrough's chances of winning promotion to the Premier League rests on signing a 20-goal-a-season striker, according to Boro hero Craig Hignett.
The ex-Boro midfielder watched closely as Kim Hellberg's side narrowly missed out on a place in the top flight last season, with plans under way for the coming campaign.
Boro were widely accepted as one of the best footballing sides in the division, but were often accused of not turning their superiority into goals.
Morgan Whittaker top-scored in the Championship for the Teessiders with 14 goals, just ahead of Tommy Conway on 13, while centre forward David Strelec only managed eight.
Hignett, who made 194 appearances in a Boro shirt in a six-year spell at the Riverside, feels his former side must address the striker situation in the summer transfer window, and has identified young Liverpool forward Jayden Danns as the ideal candidate.
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"It boils down to scoring goals," he told Pure Digital PR. "Your top scorer should be getting 20-plus. You need about three who get into double figures every season to have a chance.
"I think they'll take the money from Hayden Hackney because I think it'd be obvious he's going to go. Spend all that on people who are going to score goals.
"There's a lad called Jayden Danns at Liverpool. He's a goalscorer and he was injured last season. He's played in the first team, scored a couple of goals. He's going to be a real good player.
"They need a big centre forward who's going to hold the ball up and ruffle people. They need pace. And I think they need a bit more physicality and athleticism in the middle of the park as well."
Jayden Danns of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup against Southampton
Jayden Danns of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Emirates FA Cup against Southampton
Danns, 20, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, failing to play a single game for Sunderland after signing on loan in January 2025.
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He has made 10 appearances for Liverpool in total, scoring three goals, including a brace in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Southampton.
He has represented England at U16, U18 and U20 level and was part of the Liverpool side which beat Chelsea 1-0 in the 2024 Carabao Cup final.
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