Crystal Palace are keen on signing Middlesbrough’s defensive talent Rav van den Berg during the January transfer window.
Oliver Glasner is under pressure at Crystal Palace after a dismal start to the season. The high-profile departures of Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen have hurt the Eagles badly, with chairman Steve Parish failing to bring in adequate replacements for the duo.
The South Londoners are currently embroiled in a relegation battle, leading to speculations regarding Glasner’s uncertain future at the club. Yet, that hasn’t deterred them from looking at potential reinforcements to freshen up the squad in the New Year.
Crystal Palace have reportedly scouted Rav van de Berg over the last 18 months and are now planning to test Middlesbrough’s resolve with an offer. However, they could face a lot of competition from fellow English clubs for the young defender’s signature next year.
Van de Berg, 20, arrived at Middlesbrough from Dutch outfit PEC Zwolle in the summer of 2023, and has gone on to establish himself as one of the best defensive prospects in Championship football. The Netherlands youth international, who can operate both as a centre-back and right-back, has impressed for Michael Carrick’s side this season, making eight Championship appearances thus far.
Rav van den Berg on Crystal Palace’s radar
Palace skipper Marc Guehi had emerged as a top defensive target for Newcastle United in the past summer transfer window. Despite trying relentless to acquire his signature, Palace were hellbent on selling the England international on their own terms. As a result, the defender failed to seal a switch to Newcastle.
However, the Magpies’ interest in Guehi remains intact. They aren’t the only club interested in him; Liverpool and Chelsea also remain admirers of the English stopper’s qualities on and off the ball. Guehi’s stock is on the rise and it will be difficult for Palace to cling onto him for too long.
Thus, the south London outfit want to be ready in case their skipper decides to leave in 2025. Perhaps, they view Rav van den Berg as Guehi’s potential replacement.
The Middlesbrough talent is someone Palace have been tracking since last year. He has the capacity to become an invaluable, long-term asset for the Eagles. Van den Berg would be a smart arrival at Selhurst Park as he could potentially cover two positions at centre-back and right-back while ascertaining there is no drop in quality.
Especially with Glasner’s squad lacking depth in the defensive unit, Van den Berg will be a perfect addition.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
