Middlesbrough have licked their wounds and are looking ahead to the 2026/27 Championship season.
Kim Hellberg saw his side’s automatic promotion push run out of steam last term, but Boro still managed to secure a spot in the top six.
They were beaten by Southampton at the semi-final stage of the play-offs before a dramatic reprieve sent them to the final at Wembley.
Hull City were the victors under the famous arch, defeating Hellberg’s side 1-0 with a late winner from Oli McBurnie.
Post-match, Hellberg said: “How we have played football, how we have performed, how we have strengthened the bond together, how we have fought together, how we have been playing the way we play - there's a lot of things that have been very good.
“But at the end of the day, we were very close, both in the league for automatic and here. But we haven't been good enough, and that's what we have to try to be next year."
Here are 22 free agents Middlesbrough could target to bolster their ranks for the gruelling Championship campaign ahead.
17. Ross Stewart
The 29-year-old forward, a Scotland international, is among the players leaving Southampton. | Nick Potts/PA Wire
18. Dan Neil
Sunderland have allowed the 24-year-old midfielder to depart following his loan spell at Ipswich Town. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
19. Emil Krafth
Newcastle United have confirmed the release of the 31-year-old right-back. | John Walton/PA Wire
20. Malachi Sharpe
The 20-year-old winger, who has represented Scotland at youth level, has been released by Manchester United. | Burak Kara/Getty Images