Kyle Joseph’s £5 million transfer from Hull to Middlesbrough has been paused due to unforeseen complications.

Middlesbrough are still locked in negotiations with Hull City over the proposed transfer of Kyle Joseph after an unexpected complication brought the £5 million move to a standstill.

Club officials are continuing to work behind the scenes in an effort to resolve the issue, with senior sources indicating that Middlesbrough are actively trying to find a solution. While discussions remain ongoing, there is currently no certainty over whether the transfer will eventually be completed or how long it could take before a final outcome is reached.

Hull City’s Kyle Joseph (Image: Cody Froggatt)

Joseph had appeared to be on course to become a Middlesbrough player after the two Championship clubs agreed a deal worth £5 million. The transfer looked straightforward and was expected to be completed without major issues, especially after Hull City secured the funds they urgently needed before Tuesday’s financial deadline.

Hull had been under pressure to generate at least £6 million before the close of business on Tuesday to remain compliant with financial regulations. Failing to meet that target could have exposed the club to disciplinary action, including the possibility of receiving a points deduction ahead of the new Premier League season.

To reach the required figure, Hull completed the sales of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur to Rangers and Aidon Shehu to Panathinaikos. Those departures ensured the club met its financial objectives, while Joseph’s transfer to Middlesbrough was still expected to proceed as planned despite the earlier urgency surrounding player sales.

However, just as the transfer appeared close to completion, an unforeseen complication emerged on Tuesday that prevented the deal from being finalised. The exact nature of the issue has not been disclosed, but it proved significant enough to delay the process. Negotiations continued throughout Wednesday as both clubs attempted to overcome the obstacle, although uncertainty continues to surround the proposed move.

As things stand, there is no guarantee that the transfer will eventually be completed, with all parties still working towards a resolution. Middlesbrough remain hopeful that an agreement can still be reached, but the current situation has left the move hanging in the balance.

The timing of the delay is particularly notable as Middlesbrough’s first-team squad is due to return to Rockliffe Park for the beginning of pre-season preparations on Thursday. Even if Joseph’s transfer had been completed before then, the striker would not have been able to take part in full training immediately because he is still recovering from an ankle injury.

Joseph sustained the injury during Hull City’s Championship play-off semi-final second-leg victory over Millwall. The setback ultimately ruled him out of the play-off final at Wembley, where Hull secured promotion by defeating Middlesbrough. Missing such an important match was a frustrating conclusion to what had otherwise been an impressive campaign for the forward.

Before suffering the injury, Joseph had established himself as one of Hull City’s key attacking players throughout the season. He finished the campaign with eight goals and five assists, making an important contribution to the club’s successful promotion push. His performances consistently attracted attention from Middlesbrough, who had monitored his progress over an extended period before deciding to make their move this summer.

Within Middlesbrough’s recruitment plans, Joseph is viewed as an excellent fit for head coach Kim Hellberg’s preferred style of play. The versatile attacker is capable of operating across several positions in the front line, giving the coaching staff greater tactical flexibility. His work rate, movement and ability to contribute both goals and assists are qualities that Middlesbrough believe would strengthen their attacking options.

The club are expected to be busy in the transfer market during the summer window, with plans to refresh their forward line by bringing in several new signings. Strengthening the squad in attack remains one of the club’s priorities as they prepare for the upcoming campaign under Hellberg.

Midfield is another area Middlesbrough are targeting, particularly with Hayden Hackney on the verge of completing a high-profile move to Everton. The England Under-21 international travelled to Merseyside on Wednesday to undergo his medical examination and complete the remaining formalities of a transfer believed to be worth around £25 million.

Hackney’s impending departure will create a significant vacancy in Middlesbrough’s midfield, increasing the importance of reinvesting in the squad during the current transfer window. While the midfielder’s exit appears close to being confirmed, attention also remains firmly focused on Joseph’s uncertain situation.

For now, Middlesbrough’s recruitment team continue to work alongside Hull City in an attempt to remove the final obstacle preventing Joseph’s move. Until that complication is resolved, the transfer cannot be completed, leaving the striker’s immediate future unresolved as both clubs continue negotiations and hope for a successful conclusion in the coming days.