Middlesbrough and Rav van den Berg stance as Feyenoord submit first bid for defender
Feyenoord have lodged an opening bid for Middlesbrough defender Rav van den Berg — but their initial offer falls short of Boro’s valuation as the Dutchman edges closer to a Riverside exit.
Teesside Live understands that while the Dutch giants are keen to secure Van den Berg’s signature, their first formal approach — believed to be around €10 million — has been swiftly rebuffed by Middlesbrough. The Championship side are standing firm on their stance that they will only sanction a sale if the deal meets their financial expectations.
Talks between the two clubs are ongoing, and while no agreement has been reached yet, there is growing confidence on all sides that a transfer could materialise before the end of the window. Sources close to the situation suggest Middlesbrough are holding out for a higher guaranteed fee, with added performance-based bonuses and a significant sell-on clause included in any deal.
The 21-year-old, who joined Boro last summer from PEC Zwolle, impressed in his debut season in English football. Van den Berg’s composed displays at the heart of defence quickly made him a key figure for Michael Carrick’s side, who narrowly missed out on a play-off place last term. His form did not go unnoticed, with Feyenoord tracking his progress for several months before making their move.
Crucially, Van den Berg himself is understood to have made his desire to return to the Netherlands clear. While there is no suggestion of a formal transfer request, the player has communicated to Boro’s hierarchy his interest in joining the Eredivisie champions — a move that would see him play Champions League football next season.
For Middlesbrough, the situation presents a dilemma. The club would prefer to keep hold of one of their standout performers, especially as they look to mount a serious promotion challenge. However, there is an understanding that they may have to cash in if Feyenoord return with an improved bid that matches their valuation.
Feyenoord are expected to return with a fresh offer in the coming days, as they look to bolster their backline ahead of their domestic and European campaigns. Their head coach, Arne Slot, is said to be a firm admirer of Van den Berg and views him as an ideal addition to his defensive options.
Middlesbrough, meanwhile, are already weighing up potential replacements in case a deal is struck. The club’s recruitment team have been active in the market this summer, but losing Van den Berg would leave a significant gap to fill.
For now, the ball is firmly in Feyenoord’s court. Unless they are willing to increase their bid and meet Middlesbrough’s demands, the Championship side are prepared to stand their ground — though the growing expectation is that Van den Berg’s future may ultimately lie away from Teesside.
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