Rav van den Berg targeted by West Ham amid Köln struggles

West Ham United is reportedly interested in signing 1. FC Köln defender Rav van den Berg during the upcoming January transfer window. The 22-year-old Dutch centre-back, who joined Köln from Middlesbrough in August 2025 for eight million euros, has struggled to secure playing time under coach René Wagner.

Van den Berg has not played a single minute this season and has fallen out of favor at Köln. While Köln's managing director Thomas Kessler expressed hope that the player might eventually succeed, reports suggest the club has considered a loan or a permanent separation during the winter window.

West Ham, currently competing in the Championship, views the young defender as a potential option to add depth to their backline. Having previously played in England for Middlesbrough, Van den Berg is expected to adapt quickly to the league if a move materializes.