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Sontje Hansen Joins Gaziantep FK on Loan from Middlesbrough
The Dutch attacker, 23, arrives from the Championship side for the 2026/27 campaign after two seasons in England.
Sontje Hansen has completed a loan switch from Middlesbrough to Gaziantep FK, with the deal confirmed on 2026-08-19. The 23-year-old Netherlands attacker, who wears the number 27 jersey, will spend the 2026/27 season at the Gaziantep Stadyumu in the Turkish top flight.
At a glance
- Age / Position: 23 / Attacker
- Deal: Loan from Middlesbrough to Gaziantep FK, 2026-08-19
- Fee: Not disclosed
Career context
Hansen's career path has been a steady climb through the Dutch and English leagues. He began his senior journey in the Eredivisie with NEC Nijmegen, where he featured in the 2025 season, though without registering any league minutes during that stint. In August 2025, he made the move to England, joining Middlesbrough in the Championship. That transfer was a permanent one, and he quickly became part of the squad under manager Chris Wilder.
His time at Middlesbrough saw him primarily deployed off the bench. Across all competitions in 2025, he made 23 appearances, with 16 of those coming as a substitute. He scored 2 goals and provided 0 assists, operating mostly in the final third as an attacking option. His 171 passes completed at 81% accuracy and 19 dribble attempts (7 successful) highlight his comfort on the ball, while 26 of 57 duels won (46%) show he isn't afraid to engage physically despite his 173cm frame.
His international experience includes 3 appearances for the Netherlands U21s in the UEFA U21 Championship Qualification, where he scored once in 161 minutes of action.
How he fits at his new club
Gaziantep FK, founded in 1988 and playing at the 35,558-capacity Gaziantep Stadyumu, competes in the Turkish Süper Lig. The club has been building a squad that blends domestic talent with experienced internationals, and Hansen's profile aligns with their need for energetic, technically sound attackers who can operate across the front line.
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
His technique attribute of 77 (out of 100) is his standout trait, complemented by a duels rating of 79. This suggests he thrives in tight spaces and can hold up play — crucial for a team that may look to utilize quick combinations and counter-attacks. His attack attribute of 46 and creation attribute of 42 indicate he's still developing his goal-scoring and playmaking consistency, which fits a developmental loan scenario.
At Middlesbrough, he was often used as a late-game spark plug, coming on for an average of 15 minutes per appearance in his 16 substitute appearances. This role suggests he's accustomed to high-intensity, short bursts — ideal for a club looking to freshen up their attack in the final stages of matches.
Recent numbers
During the 2025 season across all competitions:
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 19 | 530 | 1 | 0 | 6.55 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 6.30 |
| UEFA U21 Qual. | 3 | 161 | 1 | 0 | — |
His season rating of 6.54 across 23 appearances reflects a player who contributed consistently without dominating. He averaged roughly 30 minutes per appearance when starting (4 lineups) and was on the pitch for a total of 701 minutes. His 5 shots on target from 12 attempts shows a reasonable conversion rate, and his 9 key passes suggest he was involved in build-up play beyond just finishing.
Key takeaways
- Loan move: The switch to Gaziantep FK is a loan deal, giving the Turkish side the opportunity to evaluate him over a full season without long-term commitment.
- Developmental profile: With a technique rating of 77 and duels rating of 79, Hansen offers technical ability and work rate — assets for a Süper Lig side needing energy in attack.
- Bench role experience: At Middlesbrough, he made 16 substitute appearances in 2025, showing adaptability to a squad-player role that could translate well to a rotation-heavy Turkish campaign.
- International pedigree: His 3 U21 caps and goal in UEFA qualification demonstrate he's already tested at a higher level of European football.
- Physical profile: At 173cm and 70kg, he's a compact forward who relies more on movement and technique than aerial presence — a profile that suits a pressing, mobile attacking system.
"He brings a different dynamic to our attack — someone who can link play and create chances in tight areas."
Hansen's loan to Gaziantep FK represents a logical next step in his development, offering regular minutes in a competitive league and the chance to build on his solid foundation at Middlesbree. His blend of technical ability, work rate, and international experience makes him a potentially valuable asset for the Turkish club's attacking options.