Chelsea had Rav van den Berg on their radar for one of their satellite clubs, Strasbourg, with a future option for him. However, FC Köln ultimately secured the transfer of the Dutch youth international centre-back. The German club, which has recently been promoted to the Bundesliga and boasts a sold-out Rheinenergie-stadion, managed to win the race for the promising 21-year-old player. Reports indicate that the transfer fee paid to Middlesbrough is around ten million euros, marking a significant profit for the English club that had acquired him for only 200,000 euros from PEC Zwolle. Despite strong interest from Besiktas, Van den Berg opted for FC Köln, where he is expected to undergo a medical examination and finalize a five-year contract, prioritizing the opportunity for regular playing time. His contract with Middlesbrough was due to expire in 2027, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €4.50m.