Middlesbrough have signed centre-back Alfie Jones from Championship rivals on a four-year contract.

Middlesbrough appointed Rob Edwards towards the end of last month, and have finally brought in the first recruit of his Riverside era.

So far this summer, the headlines surrounding Boro have been dominated by potential outgoings, with Rav van den Berg in talks with Feyenoord and Premier League clubs targeting Hayden Hackney.

On Friday, the transfer tide on Teesside seems to be starting to turn, with Middlesbrough closing on signing Abdoulaye Kante in a £3m deal.

In confirmed news, Middlesbrough signed Alfie Jones from Hull City on Friday, and the departed Tigers centre-half has now sent an emotional farewell to his former employers on social media.

Alfie Jones sends farewell message to Hull City after Middlesbrough move

Reports emerged last week indicating that Wrexham were set to beat Boro for Jones, but Edwards’ side have now won the race for his signature.

When the news of Boro’s first summer signing of the Edwards era was announced, Middlesbrough fans reacted to Jones’ signing with unified joy, and also hoping his acquisition would be the first of many.

Jones revealed why he signed for Boro, given the “ambitions” of the club, who finished the 2024/25 Championship campaign on far better terms than the Tigers.

The 27-year-old featured 41 times for Hull last season, and played a pivotal role in the Tigers’ survival from League One relegation, as Boro finished just shy of a play-off place.

Now, Jones has sent an emotional message to Hull on social media, after ending his five-season stint at the MKM Stadium.

Jones said: “Five incredible years filled with so many memories.

“It’s the place where we brought our beautiful daughter into the world, a chapter we’ll always cherish.

“Thank you Hull City, you’ll always have a place in our hearts.”

With Boro last in the top flight several seasons ago, Edwards will be tasked with guiding Jones and his new teammates to a top-six finish next term, but a multitude of signings must be made for the newly appointed boss following the defender’s arrival.

Rob Edwards must prioritise full-back signings after Alfie Jones

Edwards’ style of play at Boro has been queried by a Championship expert, with much of the Middlesbrough faithful mirroring those concerns.

Michael Carrick constructed a squad, over several seasons, which was orientated to his high-possession style.

Now, that squad must adapt to Edwards’ more physically orientated style, which was so effective for Luton Town, as well as shifting the team into a three-at-the-back formation over a back four.

As a result, wing-backs are the priority position for Edwards after Jones’ arrival, with Boro currently lacking in quality on both flanks.

Middlesbrough are pushing to sign Alfie Doughty, and Edwards’ former Hatters star would be his “dream signing” at Boro.

After Middlesbrough made an offer for Callum Brittain of Blackburn Rovers, the signings of him and Doughty would be an impressive next order of business from the Boro hierarchy.

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