Middlesbrough have identified Borussia Dortmund’s 24‑year‑old goalkeeper Diant Ramaj as a prime target to solve their goalkeeping shortage ahead of the 2026‑27 Championship campaign. The Boro hope the move will give them a reliable shot‑stopper as they chase promotion after last season’s play‑off final loss.
Who is Diant Ramaj and why is he available?
Ramaj, a Germany youth international, spent his early career in the Stuttgart academy system before joining 1. FC Heidenheim in 2018. He moved to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021, debuted in the Bundesliga in January 2022 and was part of the club’s Europa League‑winning squad that season. After a stint at Ajax in 2023‑24, Dortmund signed him for around €5 million on deadline day in February 2025, then loaned him to FC Copenhagen where he helped secure a league‑cup double. A 2025‑26 loan back to Heidenheim saw him start 31 Bundesliga games, but Dortmund have indicated he is surplus to requirements.
What does Ramaj bring to Middlesbrough?
Ramaj’s recent season in the Bundesliga gave him 31 starts, showcasing reflexes and command of the box that could rival Championship’s top keepers. His clean‑sheet record last season placed him among the league’s elite, and his experience in European competition adds a winning mentality. For Middlesbrough, who finished third in the Championship with Sol Brynn keeping 13 clean sheets, Ramaj offers a fresh option to challenge for the No 1 shirt and raise the team’s defensive stability.
How realistic is the move?
Reports from journalist Florian Plettenberg suggest Dortmund are open to a loan or permanent deal for Ramaj this summer. Middlesbrough have already invested heavily in striker Will Lankshear, and the club’s recruitment team is reportedly prioritising a goalkeeper. Competing interest from other clubs could drive the price up, but a loan with an option to buy would give Boro flexibility while assessing the player’s adaptation to English football.
What’s next for Middlesbrough’s transfer plans?
If Ramaj joins, Middlesbrough will still need to address other areas, but securing a proven goalkeeper could free up resources for midfield and defensive reinforcements. Manager Kim Hellberg and his staff will likely use the pre‑season to integrate any new signing, aiming to avoid the defensive frailties that cost them in the play‑off final against Hull City. The club’s hierarchy appears ready to act quickly, with the transfer window opening on 1 July.
Why does this matter for the promotion race?
A reliable goalkeeper can be the foundation of a promotion‑winning side. With the Championship’s top two spots guaranteeing automatic promotion, Middlesbrough cannot afford another season of near‑misses. Adding Ramaj could tighten the back line, improve confidence across the squad, and give the Boro a better chance of reaching the Premier League.
How will fans react?
Supporters have expressed frustration after the play‑off disappointment, but many see the potential signing of a Bundesliga‑tested keeper as a bold statement of intent. If the deal materialises, it could reignite optimism ahead of the new season, especially if Ramaj adapts quickly to the rigors of English football.
