Cologne recruits defender Van den Berg - Cologne engages in legal proceedings against van den Berg.
Rav van den Berg Joins FC Cologne in Record-Breaking Transfer
Rav van den Berg, the Dutch U21 national team player, has made a significant career move by joining Bundesliga club FC Cologne from FC Middlesbrough. The transfer, believed to be worth around €13,000,000 (£11,200,000), makes van den Berg the tenth new signing for the promoted team.
Background and Past Performances
Born in the Netherlands, van den Berg began his career at PEC Zwolle's academy. At the age of 15, he was included in a first-team training camp, and in May 2020, he signed a two-year contract with the club. He made his professional debut for Zwolle on 1 May 2021 at just 16 years old.
In July 2023, van den Berg moved to Middlesbrough, signing a four-year contract. He made a strong impact, with his debut coming in the EFL Cup and scoring his first goal against Preston North End on 28 November 2023. His impressive performances earned him the accolade of Middlesbrough's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign.
Transfer Details
Van den Berg stands at 1.90m tall and plays as a defender. Thomas Kessler, the sporting director of FC Cologne, stated that they have been pursuing van den Berg for a long time. The transfer fee for van den Berg is rumored to be between eight and ten million euros, making it Cologne's record transfer this summer. Van den Berg has signed a five-year contract with 1. FC Köln running until 2030.
Future Prospects
Kessler believes that van den Berg will significantly strengthen their team with his quality, providing additional stability and versatility to FC Cologne's defensive unit. With his strong physical presence, excellent athleticism, and qualities in duels and playmaking, van den Berg is expected to contribute to the team's defense and help secure a successful season in the Bundesliga.
At just 21 years old, van den Berg's transfer to FC Cologne offers him the opportunity to play in the Bundesliga and gain further international experience. This move is seen as a big step in van den Berg's career, and he is eager to contribute to the team's success.
The record-breaking transfer of Rav van den Berg from FC Middlesbrough to FC Cologne does not only emphasize his outstanding vocational training and potential, but also opens up opportunities for him to participate in European leagues and showcase his skills in sports such as football. As a defender standing at 1.90m tall, van den Berg is expected to bring additional stability and versatility to FC Cologne's defensive unit, making significant contributions to their success in the Bundesliga and potentially boosting the community policy by providing a role model for youth vocational training programs.
