The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Riverside Stadium, ending an 18-month spell in East Yorkshire that began when Hull signed him from Blackpool in January 2025. He made 65 appearances for the Tigers, with all eight of his goals and five assists coming during last season's promotion-winning campaign, his first strike arriving away at Bristol City in August.
Hull's statement paid tribute to his role in their Championship success: "A valued member of the Tigers' play-off-winning side, the hard-working 24-year-old made 65 appearances in black and amber after signing from Blackpool in January 2025. All eight of his goals and five assists came during last season's Championship promotion success, with his maiden effort coming away to Bristol City in August.
"The tireless frontman netted important goals in victories over Southampton – both home and away – Portsmouth, Wrexham, Millwall – a clinical brace – and Sheffield Wednesday, his final City strike. We would like to thank Kyle for his effort, dedication and contribution to our promotion campaign, and wish him all the best for the future."
Joseph missed Hull's play-off final win over Middlesbrough at Wembley due to ankle surgery, and the deal itself hit turbulence in recent weeks before finally being resolved. Speaking after completing his move, Joseph said he was relishing the fresh challenge at his new club.
"I'm so delighted to sign for this massive club," he said. "It's such an ambitious club and I really want to help it achieve its goals. I'm an all-action centre forward, but most importantly I want to score goals and help the team win games."
Middlesbrough are expected to use Joseph predominantly through the middle, having also brought in winger Myles Peart-Harris this summer as they look to add greater physicality and cutting edge to their forward line following last season's play-off final defeat.
Manager Kim Hellberg had been tracking Joseph for much of the summer, with his side lacking a reliable focal point in attack despite dominating possession in many of last season's games, including the final itself. The Teesside club are still expected to add a couple of midfielders, a left-back and possibly another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes at the end of August.