Middlesbrough have made a decision regarding star player Rav van den Berg after transfer interest from a Europa League side.
The signing of new players has been a key issue at Middlesbrough for many years.
However, since the arrival of Kieran Scott in the Head of Football role, Boro have become much better at recruiting players.
The 2023/24 season was an excellent example of the North East outfit’s new-found ability to bring in first-team players who actually fit the manager’s system.
Emmanuel Latte Lath was signed from Atalanta BC as a replacement for Chuba Akpom, going on to score 16 in 30 Championship games.
Luke Ayling also arrived midway through 2023/24 to plug a hole at right-back and would assist eight in 19 league matches.
One of the best pieces of transfer business done by Steve Gibson and co. in the last 12 months, though, was the signing of Rav van den Berg.
Middlesbrough to offer Rav van den Berg new contract
Van den Berg made 39 appearances for the Teessiders last season, often filling in out-of-position during an injury crisis.
Despite only being 19 at the time, the Dutchman cemented himself as a key figure under Michael Carrick, earning the Middlesbrough Player of the Year award in the process.
Such impressive form at such a young age unsurprisingly attracted interest from elsewhere in Europe this summer.
The Northern Echo reports that Belgian outfit R.S.C. Anderlecht, who secured Europa League football for 2024/25, wanted to sign Van den Berg but deemed him too expensive and have now moved on to other targets.
In a further boost for Boro fans, they add that the club have held talks with Van den Berg over a new and improved contract going into the 2024/25 Championship season.
Middlesbrough may still struggle to keep hold of Van den Berg
This is a big boost for the club, given how crucial the centre-back was for Middlesbrough last term.
However, even if the 20-year-old pens fresh terms, Boro may still face a fight to keep him in 12 months.
Van den Berg is clearly a top player and has already been backed to play Champions League football in the future.
Carrick is also a big fan, labeling the stopper as ‘great’ earlier this year, as per Teesside Live.
But should Middlesbrough fail to win promotion in 2024/25, it is hard to see the defender remaining at the Riverside Stadium beyond next summer.
But if Boro do agree a new deal with Van den Berg soon, they should at least get a high transfer fee if he is sold in 2025.