Kim Hellberg suggests a U-turn on the transfer decision involving a versatile Boro squad member.

Kim Hellberg appears to be reconsidering the future of Neto Borges at Middlesbrough after being impressed by the defender during the club’s opening competitive fixtures of the season.

Borges spent the entirety of the previous campaign on loan at Bristol City. The Robins had the opportunity to make his move permanent but ultimately decided against doing so, leaving the Brazilian’s future at the Riverside uncertain heading into the summer.

Middlesbrough defender Neto Borges (Image: Tom Banks)

The expectation had been that Borges would move on permanently before the transfer window closes. However, that situation may now have changed following his impressive displays during pre-season and his involvement in Middlesbrough’s Carabao Cup victory over Wrexham.

The 29-year-old is entering the final year of his contract with Boro, meaning the club could still be tempted to accept an offer if a suitable proposal arrives before the transfer deadline.

From a financial perspective, this summer represents Middlesbrough’s final realistic opportunity to receive a transfer fee for Borges unless they extend his contract. With the defender already attracting interest in previous windows, the club may still have to consider any acceptable offer that arrives.

However, Hellberg’s comments suggest that keeping him could now be a genuine possibility.

Borges proves his versatility against Wrexham

Borges’ ability to operate in several defensive positions has already provided Hellberg with an important tactical option.

The Brazilian was selected at centre-back for Friday night’s Carabao Cup first-round meeting with Wrexham. He started alongside Luke Ayling in the centre of the back four, while Adilson Malanda moved higher up the pitch into midfield to compensate for the absence of injured midfielder Aidan Morris.

It was a different role for Borges, who has traditionally been associated more closely with the left side of the defence, but he handled the responsibility well.

His performance could prove particularly valuable to Middlesbrough given the uncertainty surrounding their defensive options.

Alex Bangura is expected to depart before the end of August after failing to receive a squad number. If that exit takes place, Borges would provide Hellberg with another option behind first-choice left-back Max Arfsten.

That combination of experience, versatility and reliability could convince the Middlesbrough head coach that Borges is more valuable to his squad than previously thought.

Hellberg was clearly impressed by what he saw from the defender against Wrexham.

Speaking after the match, the Boro boss praised Borges’ attitude and his willingness to contribute wherever required.

“I think Neto did brilliantly against Wrexham,” Hellberg said.

The Swedish coach also highlighted the Brazilian’s character, describing him as someone he enjoys working with because of the effort he consistently gives to the team.

Hellberg explained that Borges is the kind of player who can be trusted in several different positions and praised his approach during training.

He also singled out the defender’s performance at centre-back as evidence of the quality he can offer in a role that is not necessarily his most familiar position.

Hellberg impressed by defensive performance

Playing in a back four against a strong Wrexham side was not considered an easy assignment, particularly with Middlesbrough having to make tactical adjustments during the game.

Hellberg admitted that the defensive structure changed at different points, with the team occasionally shifting into a back five.

Despite those alterations, he believed Borges handled the situation extremely well.

The manager’s comments were particularly significant because they came amid speculation that the defender could leave the club this summer.

Rather than discussing Borges as a player who is likely to depart, Hellberg spoke positively about having him around and made it clear that he is pleased with the contribution the defender is making.

“I like working with him and I am happy that he is here,” Hellberg added.

That statement could represent an important change in direction regarding Borges’ future.

While there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window and an attractive offer could change the situation, it appears increasingly possible that Middlesbrough could keep the versatile defender for the 2026/27 campaign.

His ability to cover multiple positions could be especially important as Hellberg attempts to manage his squad through a long Championship season.

Hansen’s future appears less certain

The situation involving Sontje Hansen appears considerably different.

The Curacao international was not included in Middlesbrough’s squad for the Carabao Cup victory over Wrexham, which has increased speculation that he could leave the club before the end of the month.

Unlike Borges, Hansen was not selected as part of Hellberg’s plans for the opening competitive fixture.

However, Hellberg clarified that Hansen remains with the club and continues to train with his teammates.

The forward returned later than some of his teammates because of his involvement with the World Cup, leaving him behind in terms of his physical preparation and overall fitness.

As a result, Middlesbrough and Hansen agreed on a different plan for his return to competitive action.

Rather than including him on the bench against Wrexham and potentially giving him only a few minutes at the end of the match, the club decided it would be more beneficial for him to play almost the entire game for the Under-21 side.

Hellberg explained that Hansen needed to build his fitness properly after his delayed return.

The decision to give him an extended run with the Under-21s was therefore viewed as a way of getting him closer to full match fitness rather than risking a brief substitute appearance in the first team.

Nevertheless, Hansen’s absence from the senior squad, combined with the current transfer situation, means his Middlesbrough future remains uncertain.

For Borges, meanwhile, the picture appears to be moving in the opposite direction.

A player who had been expected to leave Teesside could now become a useful part of Hellberg’s squad, particularly because of his defensive flexibility.

If no suitable offer arrives, Middlesbrough may decide that keeping Borges for another season is more beneficial than losing an experienced and versatile defender.

Hellberg’s early assessment certainly suggests that the Brazilian has done enough to make the manager reconsider his position.