Middlesbrough are set to lose highly-rated defender Rav van den Berg after agreeing a transfer fee with Bundesliga side FC Köln.
The Dutchman will now undergo a medical ahead of a move worth a reported €13million, with Boro inserting a sell-on clause into the deal.
Van den Berg Exit Nears Completion
The 21-year-old has been pushing for a departure this summer and saw three previous bids from Köln and Feyenoord turned down. Boro held firm on their valuation before finally reaching an agreement with the German club, who have been long-term admirers.
The deal is expected to bring much-needed funds for Rob Edwards to reinvest in his squad. The head coach had opted not to select Van den Berg while the transfer saga played out, making it clear he wanted the situation resolved quickly.
A Netherlands under-21 international, Van den Berg turned down interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs when he joined from PEC Zwolle in 2023. He made 66 appearances for Boro, winning both the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards in his debut season, but injuries disrupted his progress last term.
Impact on Boro’s Transfer Plans
With a significant fee incoming, attention will now turn to reinforcements before the window closes. Edwards has already added right-back Callum Brittain this summer, but the loss of Van den Berg leaves a gap in central defence.
The player’s exit also triggers a payment to PEC Zwolle, who negotiated a sell-on percentage when he moved to Teesside for around £250,000. While the exact cut is undisclosed, Boro will still bank a healthy profit on a player who cost a fraction of his current value.
Van den Berg’s reputation remains high across Europe, with his composure on the ball, physicality and reading of the game marking him out as a future top-level centre-back. Köln are expected to hand him regular Bundesliga minutes, fulfilling his desire for consistent first-team action at a high level.
Writer’s View
While Middlesbrough fans will be disappointed to lose such a talent, the timing and size of this deal make sense for all parties. The club have maximised his value after just two seasons, and the funds could be crucial in strengthening areas that need depth for a promotion push.
Van den Berg’s class is undeniable, but the challenge now for Edwards will be ensuring his replacement can make an equally decisive impact in the Championship.
