It could be a busy summer at The Riverside, with incomings and departures expected ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Michael Carrick will be desperate not to lose any of his key players as he plots to guide Middlesbrough to promotion next season but is likely to be without Hayden Hackney who looks destined for a Premier League move.
Goalkeeper Seny Dieng is also said to be attracting Premier League interest just a year after signing for the club from QPR and Boro’s resolve may be tested by a number of bids this summer.
Another player that has only been with the club a season is now also reportedly attracting interest after a fine season, but he would be wise to stay on Teesside for at least one more season.
Rav van den Berg linked with Premier League move
That player is Rav van den Berg, who has been a revelation since joining from Dutch side PEC Zwolle last summer.
Boro surprisingly beat the likes of European giants Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Roma to the 19-year-old’s signature in 2023, with the youngster favouring guaranteed playing time over the dizzy heights of Europe’s elite.
It is fair to say that decision has paid off, as Van den Berg has played 34 Championship games in his debut season in England, scoring once according to Transfermarkt.
Whilst no club has been named, the performances of the defender have reportedly led to Premier League interest this summer.
The player himself has now spoken on the speculation and, whilst he insists he’s happy at Boro, his response will not to do too much to ease fans’ fears of a summer exit.
Van den Berg said: “Sometimes it is not always just your own decision. I don’t feel I have any reason to leave here. But you never know in football, is the only thing I can say. It’s not always fully the player’s decision.”
Van den Berg should give Middlesbrough one more season
Whilst the lure of the Premier League – or a move to a top European club – is undoubtedly massive, at 19, there is no reason for Van den Berg to rush the next step of his career.
The centre-back has played one season in England and is loved by Carrick, with the Boro manager saying on the Dutchman just a month into the season: “I’ve been hugely impressed.
“He’s a terrific individual, really grounded and humble, terrific character and great attitude. He has a real calming influence but quite sure of himself in a really good way.”
Van den Berg will not only be learning from Carrick – who knows a thing about being a calming influence through his career at the base of Manchester United’s midfield – but also coach Jonathan Woodgate who played the same position as the youngster.
Another factor that Van den Berg should consider is that Boro are very much expected to have a crack at promotion next season.
Not only will the defender play a huge part in that, but he could then make the step up to the Premier League in an environment he is very comfortable in and without the spotlight of the jump to a so-called ‘bigger club’.
Carrick has shown great faith in a player so young to play at the heart of his defence and he has even given the 19-year-old the captain’s armband at times.
Van den Berg may just be best served repaying that faith, at least for one more season, and reassessing his options in a year.