West Ham given red carpet to sign former Middlesbrough player in January – Club go public

West Ham United have been given a clear route to sign Rav van den Berg from Koln in the January transfer window, with the German club basically rolling out the red carpet for them.

Van den Berg has been at the German side since 2025, with them paying around €8m to Middlesbrough for his services.

But the deal has never worked out for anyone. Indeed, it is regularly referred to as a ‘misunderstanding’.

Koln had signed the defender from Middlesbrough with high hopes that he would eventually become a star and leave the club for a significant transfer fee. However, the 22-year-old has never got going in the Bundesliga.

Immense expectations have instead turned to immense frustrations on both sides.

January move possible

Now Wednesday’s print edition of BILD explains Van den Berg could be on his way out in January. They’ve spoken to sporting director Thomas Kessler. And he admits that talks are underway.

“We are in regular contact with Rav and his representatives, and we are, of course, aware that his current situation is not satisfactory for him,” he said.

“We made a deliberate decision to sign him last summer because we are convinced of his potential and his sporting qualities. That has not changed. Naturally, the expectation behind this transfer was that he would play an important role for us and continue to develop as a player.”

He urged caution at this moment in the season. But then admitted that if things hadn’t changed by January, something would have to happen.

“If there is no fundamental change in his sporting situation by the winter, we will naturally sit down with him and his agency to have an open discussion about what path forward makes the most sense for all parties involved,” he added.

Permanent transfer an option

BILD’s information is that, behind the scenes, a permanent transfer – not just a loan – is also a possibility.

A loan deal was discussed during the summer with several interested clubs, including West Ham. At the time, Van den Berg was determined to earn his place in the side.

But since then, he has been unable to break through into the first team. Indeed, he hasn’t even been included in the matchday squad since the third round of fixtures. His last appearance for the club was nearly seven months ago.

That is where his frustration is stemming from. And it is that which could put him on a platter for West Ham in the January transfer window.

Championship experience at Middlesbrough would help Rav van den Berg settle in quickly for the Hammers.

Rav van den Berg
Senior club career stats · All competitions

Senior first-team club matches only, checked 21 October 2026. Includes domestic league and cup appearances. Youth, reserve, international and friendly matches excluded.
Sources: Transfermarkt, Opta Analyst and Bundesliga.com.
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