Middlesbrough eyeing £7m Crystal Palace transfer raid | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are interested in Crystal Palace's Justin Devenny, and they could be prepared to pay big money for the Northern Ireland international.

Middlesbrough will fancy their chances of winning promotion this season as they prepare for a first full campaign under Kim Hellberg.

The 2025/26 season was a hectic one for Boro, as they saw Rob Edwards leave for Wolves just months after his appointment, with Southampton’s exclusion from the play-offs sending the Teesside outfit into the final, but they were then beaten by an Oli McBurnie goal at Wembley.

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Whilst that was a bitter blow for Middlesbrough, they have had a positive transfer window so far, even with the inevitable departure of Hayden Hackney, who joined Everton.

Yet, deals for Will Lankshear, Kyle Joseph and Sebastian Berhalter all look impressive, and it appears further additions are on the cards.

Middlesbrough show interest in Crystal Palace’s Justin Devenny

Hackney’s sale, combined with the sell-on clause that was part of Morgan Rogers’ move from Aston Villa to Chelsea, means Boro are in a position to spend.

And, according to journalist Alan Nixon, Middlesbrough have joined the race to sign versatile Crystal Palace man Justin Devenny.

The 22-year-old joined the Eagles from Airdrionians in 2023, and he has gone on to make over 50 appearances for Palace during what has been a very successful period for the club.

However, Devenny has failed to truly establish himself as a regular in the XI, and he has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer.

Boro are now firmly in the race for his signature, and it’s claimed that they may ‘go as high as £7m’ for Devenny.

Interestingly, it’s also said that the player may be open to a move if a ‘lucrative’ offer is tabled, as he is believed to be among the lowest paid players in the first-team squad at Palace.

Justin Devenny could flourish under Kim Hellberg at Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough fell short in their quest to finish in the top two last season, and a reason for that was the lack of depth.

Hackney’s absence during the run-in was a huge blow, but Boro didn’t have the quality in several areas of the pitch, so it must be addressed in the window.

Obviously, Devenny would be a massive bonus in that sense because he is capable of playing in different roles, and he is the sort of player that would fill in wherever he is asked.

But, you would imagine he would be earmarked for a role in midfield, and Devenny has the qualities that Hellberg wants.

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He is very energetic, and his ability to cover the ground would be ideal for the way that Boro press, and Devenny has also shown he has quality on the ball. Plus, given his age, there is plenty of room for him to improve, so he fits the profile that Middlesbrough should be targeting.

From Devenny’s perspective, the chance to move to the Riverside should appeal, as it feels like he is at a stage in his career where he needs to play week in, week out, which won’t happen at Palace.

So, this could be a deal that suits all parties, and it would continue what has been a positive window for Middlesbrough, as they prepare for their Championship opener against Lincoln City on August 15.