Middlesbrough, Lincoln City’s opening day opponents, have made contact over a possible summer move for Malmö FF midfielder Otto Rosengren.
The Championship club are reportedly competing with Bundesliga side FC Köln for the 23-year-old, who has established himself as an important member of the Malmö squad.
Middlesbrough are said to have contacted Rosengren’s representatives and informed them that the Sweden international is highly rated at the Riverside Stadium.
Köln have taken their interest a step further by sending representatives to watch Rosengren during Malmö’s 4-0 victory over IFK Göteborg on Sunday. He completed the full 90 minutes in a defensive midfield role and provided the assist for Andrej Djuric’s early opening goal.
Reports in Sweden currently place Middlesbrough and Köln at the front of the race, although neither club are believed to have submitted a formal offer.
Rosengren joined Malmö from fellow Swedish side Mjällby AIF during the summer of 2023, reportedly costing around 15 million Swedish kronor.
He has since helped Malmö win consecutive Allsvenskan titles in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Swedish Cup. The midfielder has recorded nine goals and 14 assists across 107 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Rosengren began his senior career with Mjällby after progressing through their academy. He made his Allsvenskan debut against Örebro SK in November 2021 and became a regular before earning his move to Malmö.
His performances also brought international recognition. After representing Sweden at under-17 and under-21 level, Rosengren made his senior debut during a 2-1 friendly victory over Estonia in January 2024.
The midfielder generally operates centrally but can also play in a more defensive role. His ability to contribute in both areas of the pitch could appeal to Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg, who will know the Swedish market from his previous work with IFK Norrköping, IFK Värnamo and Hammarby IF.
Rosengren remains under contract with Malmö until December 2027, placing the Swedish club in a strong negotiating position. He is currently valued at around €3 million, although the interest from two clubs could allow Malmö to demand a considerably larger fee.
A move to Köln would offer Rosengren the chance to play in the Bundesliga, while Middlesbrough can present him with an opportunity to continue his development in the Championship.
For now, Boro’s interest remains at the enquiry stage, with Malmö waiting to see whether either of the midfielder’s two reported suitors follows up with an official bid.
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