Gaizka Mendieta believes a big investment is needed if Middlesbrough are to make it to the Premier League after next season.
Boro finished eighth in the EFL Championship in the recently ended campaign, putting them just outside the promotion play-offs.
It was a positive first season for the club under manager Michael Carrick, according to Mendieta.
A former Boro player himself, the Spaniard was impressed with the job Carrick did after taking the managerial reins in October, and he thinks the club is close to achieving its goal of rejoining the top flight.
"Middlesbrough can definitely push for promotion next season," Mendieta told OLBG. "They were close last season and Michael Carrick has done an amazing job.
"We know how difficult the Championship is, so competitive with so many great teams. You have to invest as if you are a Premier League club.
"Middlesbrough have to make that effort, they know what Carrick needs if he is going to get promotion. I’d love to see Middlesbrough in the Premier League.
"The fans miss being in the top flight, I went to see them in the League Cup against Chelsea. They are so loyal following the team and always make the effort. I loved my time there.
"It's difficult when you are stuck there for some time to get that momentum back with the teams that are already there. It's not easy, but it can happen. Hopefully, they know what is needed for that.
"They've already had the experience of the playoffs from previous seasons so hopefully everything will align for the team to come back."
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