After loan spells at Preston North End and Schalke, Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg has continued his loan spell at Mainz this season. He has been a starter since the start of the Bundesliga season and has made 36 appearances, including in the DFB Pokal.
His performances in Germany have increased the chances of manager Arne Slot giving him a chance at Anfield, but there are clubs interested in acquiring the player, including Mainz, where he has been on loan this season, and the world of the player leaving on a complete transfer cannot be ruled out.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool have set a transfer fee in case they decide to sell the Netherlands U-21 defender, which is likely to be £20 million. He has made just four appearances for Anfield.
Brentford and Southampton, who are set to return to the Premier League next season, have also expressed interest, and a battle involving several clubs could develop. Wolfsburg from Germany and Ajax from the Netherlands are also following closely.
Liverpool are looking for a replacement for 32-year-old defender Joel Matip, who has left the team. Various centre-back names have come and gone, but if the Dutch centre-back can deliver solid performances in pre-season, he may be able to establish himself in the first team.
The 22-year-old will soon have to make a decision: will Liverpool keep him in the team, send him out on loan again or release him on a permanent transfer?