Middlesbrough is edging in on the NEC Nijmegen forward
Middlesbrough has accomplished their latest big transfer breakthrough by negotiating a deal with NEC Nijmegen for forward Sontje Hansen.
The 23-year-old has shined in the Eredivisie the past two seasons, scoring six goals and assisting four times. He was linked to Boro very early in this window, with patience required on the Boro front to complete the transfer, as Hansen made it obvious he wanted to move.
The amount agreed upon is estimated to be €3.5 million, lower than the €4.5 million reported in the Netherlands. It comes after Boro drew closer to selling Rav van den Berg for €13 million. Hansen is already thought to be in Teesside as Boro strive to finalize the deal before Saturday’s trip to Millwall.
In terms of position, Hansen is a versatile forward who, in most cases, is expected to play one of two roles behind the striker. He can also play as a conventional winger, giving Edwards the tactical versatility he has expressed a desire for. He is a speedy, direct, and cunning player with an eye for goal, and he adds qualities to the Boro attack that they do not currently have.
Boro’s recruitment team has had Hansen on their radar for quite some time. Chris Jones, head of recruitment, is said to have first noticed him playing at the U17 Euros in 2018 and has since kept an eye on him. Boro have boosted up their scouting in the previous nine months, with Jones and Kieran Scott travelling to the Netherlands to watch him in person.
Hansen will become Boro’s fourth summer signing, after Alfie Jones, Abdoulaye Kante, and Callum Brittain. They still require a striker and a left wing-back as a minimum.
Leave a Reply