Sontje Hansen, a forward for NEC Nijmegen, is expected to be signed by Wrexham AFC, who will compete with Middlesbrough.
Goalie Danny Ward and former Plymouth Argyle center-forward Ryan Hardie are two striking signings the Red Dragons have already made this summer.
As they want to continue their renowned ascent up the English football pyramid next season, the recently promoted Championship team has also reportedly agreed to a club-record £5 million deal to sign Lewis O’Brien, a central midfielder for Nottingham Forest.
Middlesbrough, on the other hand, are yet to make a first-team signing this summer, but with new boss Rob Edwards now with his feet firmly under the desk, progress on the recruitment front looks set to accelerate in the coming weeks.
Wrexham set to rival Middlesbrough for Sontje Hansen signature
It was first reported by journalist Lorenzo Lepore on Monday that Middlesbrough are making headway in their pursuit of NEC Nijmegen winger Sontje Hansen.
Lepore revealed that negotiations are still ongoing, and that Boro club officials have travelled to the Netherlands to meet the 23-year-old, in an attempt to progress the deal for their ‘top target’ even further.
But according to a report published late Monday night by Dutch football news source Voetbal International, Wrexham is also expressing interest in the versatile Netherlands youth international.
After joining Nijmegen from Ajax in the summer of 2023, Hansen has recently made it clear that he’s ready to advance in his career. English clubs have apparently been watching him for a while.
Although no official offer has been made for the player as of yet, Voetbal International asserts that Middlesbrough’s interest is now the most serious.
Danish champions F.C. Copenhagen are also said to be admirers of Hansen, who had previously seen a move to French Ligue 1 side Lens collapse in the previous winter window, with Nijmegen rejecting their approach for their talented young forward.
Sontje Hansen could be set for Championship tug of war for his signature this summer
Hansen doesn’t appear to be short of Championship options this summer.
Indeed, it isn’t only Middlesbrough and Wrexham who have shown interest in bringing the Dutchman to the second tier of English football.
Sky Sports News journalist Anthony Joseph revealed in early June that Birmingham City have expressed an interest in signing the Eredivisie winger this summer.
Hansen was also reportedly approached by Sheffield United in January, although The Star quickly dismissed the rumour. However, with the recent surge in Championship interest in his services, they might be worth keeping an eye on.
The fact that Burnley’s loan approach with the commitment to buy the forward for £3.5 million was also refused in January may also provide a good clue as to how much he would cost.
Given that he still has two years left on his contract with Nijmegen, a number of Championship clubs are reportedly trying to sign him this summer, although he is expected to fetch a high price.
