As the transfer window deadline approaches this summer, Liverpool are making progress in releasing redundancies and youngsters. Some players will leave on a permanent transfer, while others will go on loan and hone their experience and ability at another club. And 22-year-old defender Sepp van den Berg is also at the centre of the conversation.
The Dutch centre-back, who was very successful at Mainz last season, is highly rated by new coach Arne Slot and was useful in pre-season. However, it is difficult for him to become a regular in the centre-back position and he is likely to spend more days warming the bench.
The player, who has been on loan in recent years, wants to move to a club where he can start and rumours of his departure have been festering since the start of the summer.
Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel, who has been hoping for another loan since the start of his breakthrough season, has reiterated his desire.
“We are a bit dependent on FC Liverpool. I know that he would very much like to return to Mainz. Perhaps the player’s voice will play a role in Liverpool’s decision.”
“Of course, it is Liverpool’s legitimate right to put a price tag on the player. But then there has to be a club willing to pay that price, and the player has to want to go there.”
“As of today, that’s not the case, which is why we still have a chance. If Liverpool loans him out for another year, then we are the perfect club. Sepp would confirm that as well.”
“We are waiting a bit longer and preparing ourselves in case it doesn’t work out.”
🔴💬 Excl. statement by #Mainz boss Christian Heidel about dream target Sepp van den Berg: ⤵️
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 14, 2024
"We are a bit dependent on FC Liverpool. I know that he would very much like to return to Mainz. Perhaps the player's voice will play a role in Liverpool's decision."
Heidel still… pic.twitter.com/7UrhhYyJSe
With other Bundesliga clubs such as Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg all trying to acquire him, what does the future hold for the young Dutch centre-back…?