FC Koln have signed central defender Rav van den Berg from Middlesbrough as star takes “next big step” in his career.
Middlesbrough have had a polarising start to the 2025/26 season under new manager Rob Edwards.
Middlesbrough defeated Swansea City 1-0 in the first weekend of the Championship, giving Edwards’ new-look Boro side a strong start.
Boro suffered an ugly Carabao Cup defeat to Northampton Town on Tuesday evening, losing 4-0.
Away from the field, Edwards was struck a transfer blow with Rav van den Berg’s departure, and the defender has now revealed why he has joined German heavyweights FC Koln.
Rav van den Berg reveals why he joined FC Koln from Middlesbrough
Van den Berg has been expected to leave Middlesbrough during the summer transfer window.
EFL Analysis recently indicated that Van den Berg was set to quit Middlesbrough due to interest from European giants Feyenoord and FC Koln.
Van den Berg missed Middlesbrough’s match against Swansea due to doubts about his future, with new summer signing Alfie Jones stepping in to keep the score clean.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Middlesbrough had agreed to sell van den Berg to FC Koln, and the Dutchman’s departure has now been confirmed.
The 21-year-old defender has now spoken for the first time since joining the German Bundesliga club.
Van den Berg told FC Koln’s website, “I am very excited to take the next significant step in my career – and that is with 1. FC Köln.
| Statistic | Rav van den Berg for Middlesbrough |
| Games played | 66 |
| Goals + Assists | 1 |
Rav van den Berg’s stats for Middlesbrough since joining in 2023
“Thomas Kessler played an important part in my decision to join FC. He gave me the impression right away that the club is really interested in having me play here.
“I believe that the FC family is a good fit for me.” It may seem cliché, but I need it, and I can’t wait to play in front of the FC fans for the first time and give them my all.”
Middlesbrough fans will be split over Rav van den Berg exit for FC Koln
Van den Berg had a turbulent experience at the Riverside Stadium after arriving from PEC Zwolle.
During his debut season in 2023/24, the Dutch defender won both the Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year honors, cementing his reputation as one of England’s top young center defenders.
Unfortunately, Van den Berg was limited to just 27 games last season owing to injury, and Middlesbrough has made a significant profit on the defender.
Middlesbrough paid just £250k to Zwolle for Van den Berg two summers ago, resulting in a nearly £11 million profit after two seasons.
The financial sides of the trade benefit Boro, but his absence from a squad depth standpoint must be rectified before the window closes next month.
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