Middlesbrough make decision on future of Rav van den Berg following Hull City arrival

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Middlesbrough have not quite had the summer that they needed as they bid for a top six finish in the Championship.

Johnny Howson has sent supporters a message after he left the club this summer at the end of his contract, with Hayden Hackney also looking likely to depart despite rejecting a move to Ipswich Town.

Boro’s season tailed off in 2024/25, and after being in and around the top six for the most part, inconsistency once again proved to be the biggest problem for those on Teesside.

Now, with Rob Edwards in charge, keeping hold of key players is proving difficult and EFL Analysis can provide an update on Rav van den Berg’s Middlesbrough future.

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Middlesbrough set to let Rav van den Berg depart

At 21, the Dutch defender is one of Boro’s greatest assets and there is no surprise to see top flight clubs across Europe interested in him.

Now, following exclusive information from our Chief Football Correspondent Graeme Bailey, club sources have confirmed to EFL Analysis that he was left out of Middlesbrough’s 2-2 draw with Deportivo following talks with his people amid ongoing transfers talks.

As it stands Feyenoord and Bundesliga side FC Cologne are in talks. However, there is other interest from Germany.

The expectation is now that van den Berg is unlikely to play for Middlesbrough again and the club want a deal done this week so they can progress with other deals. The signing of Alfie Jones means they are happy to move on without him.

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Rob Edwards must be backed at Boro before the transfer window shuts

Only two new players have arrived at the Riverside so far this summer, with Jones being joined by Abdoulaye Kante in the last few days.

It is clear to see that more signings are needed if Middlesbrough are to challenge towards the top end of the Championship once again, and at this moment in time, their rivals are starting the season ahead of them.

Boro will be able to demand a good fee for van den Berg after a strong showing for the Netherlands at the U21s European Championships, but Edwards would much rather keep the defender than sell him if he had the chance as it does leave his squad significantly weaker.