Cologne sign defender Rav van den Berg from Middlesbrough
Cologne have signed defender Rav van den Berg from Middlesbrough in the English Championship. The Netherlands U21 international is the younger brother of Sepp van den Berg, formerly of Mainz and Schalke.
Upon signing a deal until 2030 with Cologne, van den Berg said: "I am really looking forward to taking the next big step in my career – and that is for Cologne. Thomas Kessler [Cologne sporting director] played a big role in my decision to join. From the very start, he gave me the feeling that the club absolutely wants to have me play here. I believe that the club's family is an environment that fits me well. It might sound somewhat cliché, but I need that, and I can’t wait to play in front of the fans for the first time and give everything for them."
Van den Berg was named Middlesbrough's Player of the Season in 2023/24 and made 63 league appearances for the outfit in North-East England.
Kessler said: "We had Rav on our list for a long time and are really pleased that he has decided to join Cologne. We are convinced that he will help us with his quality. Despite his young age, Rav has a lot of valuable experience from the Championship. He is strong, athletic and is good at tackling as well as playing out from the back. With his profile, he will give our backline increased stability and flexibility.”
The Dutchman could get a chance to make his debut in Cologne's season-opening DFB Cup tie at Jahn Regensburg on Sunday. Lukas Kwasniok's side open their Bundesliga campaign the following Sunday, 24 August away at Mainz.
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