Why Sontje Hansen Missed Middlesbrough’s Victory Over Wrexham

Sontje Hansen’s Absence Against Wrexham Explained by Middlesbrough

Sontje Hansen was left out of Middlesbrough’s squad for their Carabao Cup victory over Wrexham as the club continues to manage his fitness following his involvement with Curaçao at the World Cup.

The 24-year-old featured from the bench during Boro’s final pre-season friendly against Espanyol, but he was not included in the matchday squad for Friday’s first-round cup tie. Despite ongoing speculation about his future on Teesside, manager Kim Hellberg has made it clear that Hansen’s omission was not connected to transfer matters or an injury.

Instead, the midfielder has been working with Middlesbrough’s Under-21 side to regain his fitness after returning late from international duty. Hansen spent a significant part of the summer in the United States as Curaçao made their first-ever appearance at the World Cup.

Hellberg explained that the decision was made to give Hansen a longer run of competitive action rather than leaving him on the bench and potentially using him for only a few minutes.

“Sontje wasn’t involved against Wrexham, but it wasn’t because of an injury,” Hellberg explained. “He played for the Under-21s because we wanted to assess his physical condition.”

The Middlesbrough boss added that Hansen is currently training normally with the senior squad but remains slightly behind his teammates in terms of fitness because of his late return.

“He came back late after the World Cup, so he is a little behind physically,” Hellberg said. “We felt it was better for him to get close to 90 minutes with the Under-21s rather than perhaps getting five minutes with the first team.”

Hansen’s next opportunity to gain more playing time could come when Middlesbrough’s Under-21s face Hartlepool United in the National League Cup at Victoria Park, although his involvement has yet to be confirmed.

Hansen’s future remains uncertain

While Hellberg insists the decision to leave Hansen out was fitness-related, the Dutch-born Curaçao international continues to be linked with a possible departure from Middlesbrough.

Hansen struggled to establish himself following his move from NEC Nijmegen and is understood to be a player the club would consider offers for before the transfer window closes.

Boro are also working to reduce the number of fringe players within their squad. Alex Bangura and Micah Hamilton are among those expected to leave after failing to receive squad numbers.

Goalkeeper Seny Dieng could also depart following the arrival of Radek Vitek, which has pushed him down the goalkeeping hierarchy. George Edmundson is another player Middlesbrough are reportedly looking to move on.

Meanwhile, the club’s pursuit of Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips has been temporarily put on hold. Phillips has returned to London while an issue surrounding the proposed transfer is resolved. Middlesbrough remain interested after previously agreeing terms that would have seen them pay £7 million up front for the 21-year-old.

Vitek excited by Middlesbrough challenge

Middlesbrough have completed the permanent signing of Radek Vitek from Manchester United after his successful loan spell at Bristol City last season.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper is excited about beginning a new chapter at the Riverside and could make his competitive debut when Boro face Lincoln City in their Championship opener.

Vitek admitted Middlesbrough’s ambition played a major role in his decision to join permanently, particularly the club’s desire to return to the Premier League.

“I see this as a new challenge and another important step in my career,” Vitek said. “The club has a very exciting project, and you can clearly see the ambition.”

The goalkeeper also revealed that Middlesbrough made their intentions clear from the beginning, with the club identifying him as their preferred target.

Although Vitek could have remained at Manchester United as back-up goalkeeper, he chose to move to Teesside in search of regular football and the opportunity to help Boro push for promotion.

“The objective is very clear: we want to get promoted to the Premier League,” he added. “Everyone at the club shares that ambition, and that is exactly what I want as well.”