22-year-old defender Sepp van den Berg, born in Zwolle, the Netherlands, moved to Liverpool from his home club in the summer of 2019. However, he has been on loan since his first season with the club due to first-team barriers.
Last season he played for Mainz, making 33 Bundesliga appearances. His consistent performances quickly earned him a reputation and he became a popular name in the transfer market this summer. The club have set a transfer fee of £20 million based on his performances last season.
German sides such as Mainz, Hoffenheim and Wolfsburg, as well as his native PSV Eindhoven, have shown interest, but the clubs, who do not have the financial resources of the Premier League, are hesitant to make an offer at the asking price and no move for the player has been made as yet.
While the player’s management company has reportedly complained about the high price tag, the Dutch centre-back has opened up, revealing frankly that £20 million is a lot of money, but also saying that he is appreciated.
“If you want to leave then £20million is quite a lot,”
“I know in today’s market crazy things can happen. They put a price tag on me which Liverpool may think is right because I had a good season last year.”
“The first reaction from me was that it was quite high! Of course, it is a compliment in one way. It’s a sign of how well I did last year. But it makes it a bit more difficult the other way. If they only thought I was worth £2m that wouldn’t be nice! But £20m is maybe on the high side.”
“Maybe I stay, maybe I go,”
“I am here now. Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It has always been my dream to play here and it still is my dream.”
“I spoke with Arne on the first day and he said I have to show myself in pre-season. Of course I have my own visions about things. I like to play.”
“I am here to show the new manager that I am Liverpool-worthy. If he gives me a chance and likes me, there’s a big chance of me staying. But we are still early in the window so we will see what happens.”
The Athletic
The 22-year-old defender has made no secret of his desire to move to a club where he can secure a regular place, but depending on his performances in pre-season, there is no denying that he could be a contender for the final line-up at Liverpool.
So where does the future lie for the young defender, whose reputation is growing, especially in Germany…?