'I kind of fell in love' - Sebastian Berhalter explains Middlesbrough FC appeal after penning four-year deal
Sebastian Berhalter has spoken after sealing a move from Vancouver Whitecaps to Middlesbrough
Sebastian Berhalter has admitted to falling in love with Middlesbrough before his move to the Riverside.
The 25-year-old completed his eagerly-anticipated move to the Riverside last night (July 28), joining from Vancouver Whitecaps for an undisclosed fee.
He has penned a four-year deal in North Yorkshire, reuniting with his USA teammate and childhood friend Aidan Morris.
Sebastian Berhalter ‘in love’ with Middlesbrough
In his first in-house interview, Berhalter said: “It feels great to be here. I’ve been watching the club closely over the last two years because of Aidan, and I kind of fell in love with the club, especially over the last year with the way they play and the way they fight.
“This is where I want to be. I want to keep getting better as a player and person, and this is a great place to do it.”
Berhalter arrives in the Championship with momentum firmly behind him after an impressive run at the World Cup.
He appeared in all five of the USA’s games, sending his stock soaring even higher after making a stellar start to the 2026 Major League soccer season.
‘Incredible experience’ at World Cup
The midfielder said: “The World Cup was an incredible experience. It didn’t end the way we wanted to, but to see the American support that was there was really special and I’m really glad to have been a part of it.
“It’s growing in the US, and to see that much support and that many people supporting, it was a dream. It’s given me even more hunger now and this is an amazing place for me to be.”
Berhalter has become Middlesbrough’s fifth senior signing of the summer transfer window, following Myles Peart-Harris, Jeremy Sarmiento, Kyle Joseph and Will Lankshear through the door.