Rav van den Berg expressed excitement over joining FC Köln after completing his transfer from Middlesbrough. His two-year spell at Boro ended with the Bundesliga club agreeing to a deal worth up to €13 million, including a future sell-on clause. Having signaled his intention to leave and been left out of recent squads, he traveled to Germany for his medical.
The Dutch defender has signed a five-year contract with Köln after making 66 appearances for Middlesbrough. The Championship side issued a short statement wishing him well for the future.
Speaking after the move, Rav Van den Berg said:
“This is the next big step in my career – and that’s FC Köln. My decision was greatly influenced by Thomas Keller, who made me feel as though the club genuinely wanted me right away. I think the FC family is the perfect environment for me. It may sound a bit 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.”*
Köln’s sporting director, Thomas Keller, praised the signing:
“We’ve pursued Rav Van den Berg for a long time and are delighted he chose us. Despite his age, he brings valuable Championship experience. He has a strong physical presence, excellent athleticism, and is skilled in tackling and building play from the back. With these qualities, he’ll add both stability and versatility to our defense.”
Rav Van den Berg’s departure came with just two years left on his contract, making this Middlesbrough’s last opportunity to secure significant value for a player they signed for £260k. The club rejected three bids before accepting Köln’s second offer, while turning down Feyenoord’s approach.
He emphasized that regular game time was key to his decision — just as it had been two years earlier when he chose Boro over bigger European clubs. The future sell-on clause was also a key part of the agreement.
For Middlesbrough, the transfer funds will support further recruitment. They quickly moved for forward Sontje Hansen as Rav Van den Berg exit progressed. While they are targeting a left wing-back and a striker, finding a replacement for him is not a priority, with manager Rob Edwards already having six center-backs after signing Alfie Jones earlier in the window.
