The Championship new boys are keen on the NEC Nijmegen winger but Boro are said to lead the chase
Middlesbrough must beat off opposition from Championship newcomers Wrexham if they are to retain their interest in NEC Nijmegen winger Sontje Hansen. Boro are one of several clubs reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old, who graduated from Ajax’s famous academy. Last January, he was thought to be close to joining Birmingham City, but the deal did not happen.
Several teams, including Middlesbrough, are apparently considering a move for Hansen, who might be available for roughly £5 million.
Wrexham have been prominently connected with a deal, as have Premier League newcomers Burnley and Danish side FC Copenhagen, but Nijmegen are thought to have already rejected a £3.5 million proposal from Burnley.
According to reports in the Netherlands, Boro are dominating the race to make the first transfer signing under Rob Edwards. Boro enjoyed great success with Ben Doak on the right side of their forward line last season, and it’s no surprise that their decline slowed when the Liverpool star’s season was cut short due to injury.
While Boro bought Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argyle in the January transfer window, they are still considered to be interested in signing a winger this summer.
Hansen scored seven goals in 34 Nijmegen appearances last season, adding four assists, and has seven caps for the Dutch Under-21 team.
He impressed in Ajax’s development systems, earning 84 appearances for their Under-21 squad before being released in 2023 after scoring 37 goals for the Dutch club’s various minor teams. Wrexham are expected to have more financial power this summer after gaining promotion under former Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson and being supported by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
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