--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-24T23:03:45.210Z last_updated: 2026-07-23T15:46:55+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/middlesbrough/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2F6ZXR0ZWxpdmUuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvdHJhbnNmZXItbmV3cy9taWRkbGVzYnJvdWdoLWNsb3NlLWFub3RoZXItbWFqb3ItdHJhbnNmZXItMzQzMzMyMzQ --- # Boro close to another major coup with deal close for USA World Cup star - **Source:** - **Published:** 23 Jul - **Club:** Middlesbrough - **Original URL:** https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/middlesbrough-close-another-major-transfer-34333234 Boro are understood to be close to finalising a deal to sign USA World Cup star Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps. The midfielder was absent on Thursday morning as the Whitecaps resumed their MLS campaign, as negotiations with Boro reached an advanced stage. The midfielder starred at the World Cup for USA this summer, catching the eye with his performance against Turkey in particular, when he scored a superb solo goal and registered an assist. The 25-year-old is understood to have agreed to the move to Boro, turning down a number of big clubs across Europe to make the move to the Championship. He was convinced by the club’s project to get to the Premier League under Kim Hellberg. Born in London, he is the son of former Crystal Palace defender and ex-USA National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter. He’s a player Boro have been tracking for some time as part of their focus on the MLS. As well as Berhalter, they’ve recently signed Aidan Morris and Adilson Malanda from the States, and have a long-standing interest in Columbus Crew’s Max Arftsen too. Berhalter, meanwhile, made his MLS debut at Columbus Crew, breaking into the side at roughly the same time as Morris. He left for Vancouver in 2022, but the pair have remained close friends and international team-mates. At Vancouver, he has 20 goals and 26 assists in 167 appearances. He was named in the MLS Team of the Season last term, and also represented the MLS All-Star team - something considered a major honour Stateside. FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Middlesbrough FC latest via the Gazette's dedicated Facebook page Out of contract at the end of the current MLS season, Boro have struck to land another major coup, despite earlier doubts over the possibility of signing him. Speculation started earlier in the summer around Berhalter when eagle-eyed fans noticed he’d started following Boro on social media. At the time, sources played down the link, with Teesside Live since learning that was because, at that time, despite their admiration, they did not believe signing him would be a possibility this summer due to the size of the other clubs showing interest. But encouraged to make an offer and present their case, Boro sources are delighted to have convinced the midfielder on the move to Teesside, with his friendship with Morris, and as a result Tommy Conway, influential. Boro chiefs are said to be really excited about what the 25-year-old will bring to Hellberg’s side next season, in what feels like another statement of intent, following on from the arrival of highly-coveted striker Will Lankshear. Middlesbrough are preparing for a big summer as they look to rebuild from the heartarche of missing out on promotion to the Premier League. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest Boro news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. Your information will be hidden, you'll only ever receive messages from the Teesside Live sports team, and you can leave any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.