Van den Berg joins Cologne after Middlesbrough loan ends

 

VAN DEN BERG'S GERMAN ADVENTURE: DUTCH DEFENDER SIGNS 5-YEAR COLOGNE DEAL

Middlesbrough have confirmed the departure of highly rated centre-back van den Berg to a newly promoted Bundesliga club in a deal worth up to £11.2m (€13m) with add-ons.

The 21-year-old Dutch defender leaves Teesside after two seasons in which he established himself as one of the most consistent young defenders in the Championship. Signed from PEC Zwolle in 2023, Van den Berg made 66 appearances in all competitions for Boro, becoming a key figure at the heart of the defence.

His composed style, strong aerial presence, and leadership qualities earned him the club’s Player of the Year award for the 2023-24 campaign. That form also saw him earn a call-up to the Netherlands Under-21 squad for the European Championships this summer, further enhancing his growing reputation.

However, with new head coach Rob Edwards reshaping his squad, Van den Berg did not feature in either of Boro’s first two matches this season. Talks over his future accelerated in recent weeks, with the Bundesliga side moving quickly to secure his signature.

For Van den Berg, the transfer represents both a fresh challenge and a step up to one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. The move will pit him against some of the continent’s most dangerous forwards, offering the perfect stage to test his defensive skills on a bigger platform.

Boro, meanwhile, lose a dependable figure at the back but bank a sizeable profit, with the funds expected to be reinvested as they target reinforcements before the window closes.