Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg’s multi-year loan spell is beginning to come to an end. His impressive performances for Mainz last season attracted the interest of several clubs, mainly in Germany, and a race for him was underway this summer.
Liverpool had initially demanded £20 million, while Mainz, PSV Eindhoven and Stuttgart had already withdrawn from the race.
Nevertheless, clubs are still trying to acquire him, and Bayer Leverkusen are believed to have reached an agreement between the clubs for a total of £25 million.
Premier League side Brentford had also reportedly agreed with Liverpool for the same amount, but have offered more than the Bundesliga club and have reached an agreement for £25 million + £5 million add-on, according to Sky Sports.
The 22-year-old centre-back joined Liverpool from Eredivisie side Zwolle for £4.4 million in 2019, making four first-team appearances. He has played most of his professional life away from Anfield and has also pitched for Preston North End and Schalke.
Both Liverpool clubs have reached inter-club agreements and the choice is now left to the Dutch centre-back.
Will he stay in the Premier League, which attracts a number of top players, or will he choose the Bundesliga, where he has good memories of last season, as his new home…?