Middlesbrough Signs Forward Sontje Hansen from NEC Nijmegen

Middlesbrough have secured the signing of 23-year-old forward Sontje Hansen from Dutch club NEC Nijmegen on a four-year contract, agreeing on a €3.5 million fee. Hansen, who has scored six goals and provided four assists in each of the last two Eredivisie seasons, is known for his pace, ball-carrying ability, and versatility, being comfortable as a winger or in one of the forward roles behind the striker. This signing marks Boro's fourth of the summer, following defenders Alfie Jones and Callum Brittain and midfielder Abdoulaye Kante, and aligns with head coach Rob Edwards' desire for flexible players to enhance tactical options. Hansen has been tracked by Boro's recruitment staff for several years, with head of recruitment Chris Jones first spotting him in 2018, and the forward was reportedly keen on the move after interest from other clubs like Birmingham City. The signing comes as Middlesbrough also work on other transfer targets, including a striker and a left wing-back, while generating funds from the pending €13 million sale of Rav van den Berg. The club aims to strengthen its squad further ahead of the ongoing Championship campaign, especially after a recent Carabao Cup first-round defeat.