West Ham eye move for star Middlesbrough sold for millions.

West Ham United are reportedly considering a move for former Middlesbrough centre-back Rav van den Berg as they look to strengthen their defensive options during the January transfer window.

The Dutch defender is currently struggling to establish himself at Bundesliga side FC Koln, where his opportunities have been limited since making the move from Middlesbrough. According to German publication Express, West Ham remain interested in the 22-year-old and could potentially make a concrete approach when the transfer market reopens in January.

Van den Berg spent two seasons at Middlesbrough after joining the Championship club from PEC Zwolle. During his time at the Riverside Stadium, he developed into one of the division’s promising young defenders and earned recognition for his performances.

West Ham Looking for Defensive Reinforcements

West Ham were among the clubs linked with Van den Berg during the summer transfer window as they searched for additional defensive depth.

The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League for the first time in 14 years and entered the current Championship campaign with expectations of challenging for an immediate return to the top flight.

Their early-season performances have strengthened those ambitions. West Ham moved to the top of the Championship table following an emphatic 6-0 victory over Wrexham, although they subsequently surrendered first place after drawing 2-2 with Millwall in the Dockers’ derby.

Despite completing eight signings during the summer, West Ham could already be preparing for another addition when the January window opens.

Van den Berg Struggling at FC Koln

Van den Berg joined FC Koln last summer following the German club’s return to the Bundesliga in May 2025. Middlesbrough reportedly negotiated a transfer package worth up to £11.2 million for the defender.

However, his time in Germany has not developed as expected. The centre-back struggled for regular football last season, making only 14 appearances, and his situation has become even more difficult during the current campaign.

His most recent competitive appearance came against Eintracht Frankfurt on April 5, while he has yet to feature for Koln in the Bundesliga this season.

That lack of involvement has reportedly raised concerns within the club. BILD previously reported that sporting director Thomas Kessler and head coach Rene Wagner had spoken with Van den Berg about improving his performances after a disappointing campaign.

His statistics from the 2025/26 Bundesliga season included 14 appearances, a 53.8 per cent duel success rate and one red card. Koln also recorded no clean sheets in his appearances, while the expected goals against figure with him on the pitch stood at 17.56.

West Ham Could Return in January

Express have claimed that West Ham maintained an interest in Van den Berg during the summer and could revisit the possibility of signing him once the January transfer window opens.

The defender could potentially provide the experience and physical presence required for a Championship promotion campaign, while a move away from Koln could offer him an opportunity to rebuild his confidence and regain regular playing time.

Van den Berg already knows the demands of English football after making 61 appearances for Middlesbrough during his two-year spell at the club.

Middlesbrough Success Built His Reputation

The defender initially arrived at Middlesbrough for just £260,000 from PEC Zwolle three years ago, making his subsequent rise particularly impressive.

His performances during the 2023/24 campaign earned him both Middlesbrough’s Young Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards, despite the club narrowly missing out on the Championship play-offs.

The following season proved considerably more frustrating for Van den Berg, with injury problems limiting his opportunities and preventing him from maintaining the same momentum.

Nevertheless, his earlier performances demonstrated why clubs across Europe developed an interest in him.

Premier League Ambition Could Complicate Deal

One potential obstacle for West Ham is Van den Berg’s reported desire to eventually play in the Premier League.

The 22-year-old could therefore have reservations about joining a Championship club, even one with strong promotion ambitions. His brother, Sepp van den Berg, currently plays for Brentford, meaning the family connection could also make a Premier League move particularly attractive.

West Ham would need to convince the Dutch defender that joining them could provide a realistic pathway back to the top flight.

Defensive Problems Add Urgency

West Ham’s current defensive situation could make the January market increasingly important.

Morato, who arrived on loan from Nottingham Forest, has recently been used at left-back, while defensive options have been stretched elsewhere. Against Millwall, the only centre-back available on the bench was 18-year-old Airidas Golambeckis.

Although West Ham have a strong academy and a long history of producing talented players, their promotion ambitions mean additional experience could be valuable.

Van den Berg’s previous Championship experience would make him a relatively familiar option, and a return to England could give him the opportunity to rediscover the form that made him such an important player for Middlesbrough.

For West Ham, meanwhile, securing a defender capable of handling the physical demands of the Championship could strengthen their squad during the second half of the season.

A January move would therefore potentially suit both parties, provided the Hammers can persuade Van den Berg to delay his Premier League ambitions and commit to their promotion challenge.