1. FC Köln signs defender van den Berg from England
Bundesliga newcomer 1. FC Köln has signed Dutch U21 international Rav van den Berg.
The 21-year-old central defender joins from English second-division club Middlesbrough FC and has signed a contract until 2030, the club announced on Wednesday. According to media reports, the transfer fee is said to be eight million euros, with a possible two million additional bonuses. Cologne last paid that much for defender Sebastiaan Bornauw in the summer of 2019.
Cologne prevails against other Bundesliga teams"We have been working hard to secure Rav for a long time," said FC sporting director Thomas Kessler. Van den Berg, he added, "has a strong physical presence, pronounced athleticism, and qualities in tackling and in opening play. With this profile, he will give our defensive unit additional stability and versatility."
Rav van den Berg, younger brother of former Schalke player Sepp van den Berg, made his debut for PEC Zwolle in the Dutch Eredivisie at the age of 16. He made 27 competitive appearances for Middlesbrough last season and, according to media reports, was already on the wish list of several Bundesliga clubs last winter.
For FC, this is the most expensive signing this summer. "Thomas played a major role in my decision to join FC. From the very beginning, he gave me the feeling that the club really wanted me," said van den Berg. "I believe the FC family is an environment that suits me very well. That might sound a bit cliché, but I need it and can't wait to play in front of the FC fans for the first time and give my all for them."
sportschau
