Southampton scout says Middlesbrough player who has received transfer approach is the ‘total package’

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After failing to win promotion in 2024/25, Middlesbrough could lose some of their top stars this summer.

Hayden Hackney is the most likely to leave Boro in the current window, given his sale would be 100 percent pure profit.

But elsewhere, star midfielder Finn Azaz is wanted by Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace.

And Rav van den Berg confirmed he has received transfer interest in an interview earlier this month.

He said at the time: “I did tell my agent that he should only call if a club is very serious. Did he call after that? Yes. But I can’t say anything more about it.”

Now, a Southampton scout has been praising the Middlesbrough defender this week.

Southampton scout praises Rav van den Berg

Along with Hackney, Van den Berg is competing at the U21 European Championships this month.

The Netherlands sit second in their group after three matches, with a meeting against Portugal to take place on the afternoon of June 21.

Van den Berg has featured heavily at the tournament so far and has caught the eye of Southampton’s European scout, Piet Buter.

Buter has been discussing the countries’ rising stars and gave a special mention to the Middlesbrough stopper.

He said, as per De Telegraaf: “Van den Berg could definitely make it to the big Oranje, because he has the total package. He has a lot of pluses in my reports.”

Will Rav van den Berg leave Middlesbrough

After the player commented on transfer interest, we spoke to Graeme Bailey for an update on Van den Berg’s future.

And he suggested to us that a move to the Bundesliga is most likely for the Dutchman, though Brentford like him as well.

He said: “It is most likely he will head to the Bundesliga this summer. He had a dip last season, but again, I would surmise that it was down to how much pressure he’s put under at Boro.

“They have plenty of sellable assets, and I do think he might be more likely to stay than Hayden Hackney, but I’d say he probably will go as well. Rav van den Berg was ultimately signed to sell, really, and that’s just how a lot of Championship clubs work.

“While there’s a fair chance he ends up in the Bundesliga, we know there is Premier League interest. Brentford like him; could he team up with his brother there? I wouldn’t rule it out.

“He’s playing at the U21 Euros, and Middlesbrough are probably hoping — if they’re wanting to get a good price for him — that he has a good tournament.”