Van den Berg's Future Uncertain as Boro Face Transfer Interest from Feyenoord
Rav van den Berg's absence from Boro's final pre-season friendly raises questions about his future, with interest from Feyenoord and Bundesliga clubs intensifying.
Rav van den Berg’s absence from Middlesbrough FC’s final pre-season friendly against Deportivo La Coruña has sparked considerable speculation about his future at the club.
The 21-year-old defender has become a focal point in transfer discussions, particularly with interest from Feyenoord and FC Köln, as reported by Football League World.
The centre-back, who joined Middlesbrough from PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2023, was notably missing from the squad during the 2-2 draw at the Riverside Stadium. Edwards confirmed that van den Berg’s exclusion stemmed from ongoing transfer negotiations, highlighting the club's desire for clarity ahead of their season opener.
BBC senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has also reported that the defender's absence was partly due to a back spasm, which had previously kept him out of a friendly against Rangers.
Edwards elaborated on van den Berg's situation, stating, “Rav trained in part of the session yesterday, but not in the full session. He wouldn’t have been involved in it, and that’s where it’s at with him. I’m expecting him to train on Monday.”
Interest in the defender has not been limited to Dutch club Feyenoord; Brentford are also in the mix, where he could potentially reunite with his brother Sepp. Sky Sports has reported links to several Bundesliga clubs, including Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, and Wolfsburg.
The situation surrounding Hayden Hackney adds another layer of complexity; after turning down a £20 million move to Ipswich Town, Hackney played as a second-half substitute against Deportivo.
