Middlesbrough and Millwall in transfer battle for 6ft 5 defender wanted by Bundesliga clubs

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EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that Middlesbrough and Millwall are among a number of teams looking to sign an imposing central defender currently impressing in Germany.

Middlesbrough have had a harrowing end to their 2024/25 season, which is more than likely set to see them miss out on the play-offs again.

Boro are only three points off the top six going into their clash with Norwich City later this week.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
5	Bristol CityBristol City	44	17	16	11	57	49	8	67
6	CoventryCoventry	44	19	9	16	62	57	5	66
7	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	44	18	9	17	64	54	10	63
8	MillwallMillwall	44	17	12	15	45	46	-1	63
9	BlackburnBlackburn	44	18	8	18	50	46	4	62

But Middlesbrough fans have given up on promotion already and are once again resigned to another season in the Championship.

Another year in the second tier means a number of players, including Hayden Hackney, could leave.

But on a more positive note, the Teessiders have already begun working on potential incomings for the summer.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough star on surprisingly low wage must be offered new contract to ward off transfer interest

Middlesbrough and Millwall interested in Calvin Brackelmann

We have learned via our transfer expert Graeme Bailey that Middlesbrough, along with Millwall, are looking at 25-year-old defender Calvin Brackelmann, who is currently plying his trade in the second tier with SC Paderborn.

EFL Analysis understands that a number of Championship clubs are chasing German defender Calvin Brackelmann and have been watching him closely in recent weeks.

Brackelmann currently plays for Paderborn in the Bundesliga 2 and they are enjoying a good campaign, currently just a point off the play-off for a place in the top-flight.

6ft 5in Brackelmann is a left-sided central defender, who can also play left-back, and his form has seen a number of clubs from across Europe take an interest.

We can reveal that Middlesbrough and Millwall are amongst the clubs who have watched him in recent months, but they are not alone.

Brackelmann, who is also attracting interest from the Bundesliga, has just over 12 months left on his current deal.

• READ MORE: Transfer talks planned as Middlesbrough fans and talkSPORT pundit agree on first summer signing

What Middlesbrough and Millwall fans need to know about Calvin Brackelmann

Brackelmann began his career on the books of German side MTV Handorf Jugend.

The 25-year-old eventually found his way into Schalke 04’s second team before a few spells with more Bundesliga 2. sides.

The centre-back joined his current team, SC Paderborn, in 2023 for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Brackelmann has played 18 league matches in 2024/25 so far, scoring two goals and missing several weeks due to injury. He is a three-time capped U19 German international as well.