Crystal Palace are plotting a January transfer move for Middlesbrough’s standout defender, Rav van den Berg, sources have confirmed.
The south London side has been closely monitoring the 20-year-old’s progress for over a year and a half and is now preparing to test Boro’s resolve with the transfer window looming.
Van den Berg, who joined Middlesbrough from PEC Zwolle in July 2023, has swiftly cemented his reputation as one of the Championship’s brightest young talents. Operating both as a central defender and full-back, the Netherlands Under-21 international has demonstrated maturity and versatility well beyond his years. With a contract at the Riverside Stadium stretching until June 2027, Middlesbrough face a significant decision on whether to part ways with their defensive prodigy.
Having initially made his professional debut at just 16 years old for PEC Zwolle in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Vitesse, Van den Berg’s rise has been meteoric. Before his switch to the English second tier, he amassed 32 appearances in the Eredivisie, gaining valuable experience against seasoned attackers. At Middlesbrough, the Dutchman has continued to develop, notching 47 appearances to date, including eight outings as a centre-back this season under the stewardship of manager Michael Carrick.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, desperate to shore up a backline that has contributed to a difficult start to the season, is reportedly keen on adding the towering defender to his ranks. After 11 Premier League games, Palace find themselves languishing in the relegation zone, a position that has forced the club’s hierarchy to prioritize defensive reinforcements.
Glasner’s interest in Van den Berg is no surprise. The youngster’s blend of physicality, composure, and tactical intelligence makes him an ideal candidate to bolster a Palace defense struggling to keep clean sheets. Moreover, his experience playing multiple positions could provide the flexibility Glasner needs as he attempts to navigate a challenging campaign.
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For Palace, signing Van den Berg would not only signal their ambition but also serve as a statement of intent as they look to avoid the drop. However, they face stiff competition from other clubs tracking the Dutchman’s progress. Scouts from across England and Europe have been spotted at Middlesbrough matches, underscoring the widespread recognition of Van den Berg’s potential.
While Palace have made defensive reinforcements a priority, their January plans reportedly extend beyond the backline. A famous newspaper recently revealed that the Eagles are also in the market for attacking talent to address their struggles in the final third. However, Van den Berg remains a key target as the club looks to build for the future while addressing immediate concerns.
Middlesbrough, for their part, will be reluctant to lose a player of Van den Berg’s caliber, especially with their aspirations for promotion to the Premier League still alive. Michael Carrick has leaned heavily on the Dutchman’s defensive prowess this season, and his departure would undoubtedly leave a void in the squad. Nevertheless, a significant offer from Palace could test the club’s resolve, particularly if the Eagles are willing to invest heavily in securing the young star.
Crystal Palace’s track record of developing young talent could work in their favor as they make their pitch to Van den Berg. With his brother Sepp van den Berg already making waves at Brentford in the Premier League, Rav might view a move to Selhurst Park as the next logical step in his career.
As the January transfer window inches closer, all eyes will be on Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Van den Berg. Whether Middlesbrough stands firm or Palace convinces them to part with their prized defender, one thing is clear: this is a story set to dominate the headlines in the coming weeks.
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