Middlesbrough have sent representatives to the Netherlands to meet prospective new signing Sontje Hansen, as talks get underway between the Teessiders and NEC Nijmegen.
The 23-year-old has earned experience at Eredivisie level in the last couple of seasons, making 64 appearances in the Dutch top flight since signing for Nijmegen two years ago from Ajax on a free transfers.
He has contributed 12 goals and eight assists in that time, helping the team finish sixth and eighth in the table in the past two years.
| Sontje Hansen – NEC Nijmegen league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals (Assists) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 33 (25) | 6 (4) | ||
| 2024-25 | 31 (23) | 6 (4) | ||
Middlesbrough eye Sontje Hansen transfer deal
Middlesbrough are eyeing a move for Hansen, with the attacker reportedly considered a top target.
The Championship club have sent representatives to the Netherlands in order to meet the player to try and thrash out a deal, which could be Boro’s first signing of the summer window, and is hoped that a breakthrough in talks will come soon.
Middlesbrough will be keen to improve the squad after coming 10th in the table last season, a result that led to Michael Carrick’s dismissal as manager.
While no agreement has yet been reached, talks are ongoing with the Eredivisie side to find a deal to bring Hansen to English football.
The forward has a contract until the summer of 2027, meaning Nijmegen still have some leverage in their discussions, with no immediate need to cash in.
Sontje Hansen signing has potential for Middlesbrough – he could be Ben Doak’s long-term replacement
Middlesbrough will want to compete for promotion to the Premier League this season following the appointment of Edwards, but to do that they’ll need to add some fresh faces.
Hansen has performed well in the Eredivisie in the last couple of seasons, and should be capable of keeping that up in the Championship, should he arrive.
Any winger who joins Boro this summer will have big shoes to fill though, with Liverpool loanee Ben Doak shining at the Riverside Stadium last season.
Hansen is still only 23 years old, so has room to improve if he can hit the ground running in English football.
Boro supporters will be keen to see the club look to strengthen this summer, so getting this over the line will be a sign of progress ahead of the new season next month.
