Liverpool is anticipated to demand a substantial fee for Sepp van den Berg due to Premier League interest after his season at Mainz.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Brentford and Southampton are the two English clubs linked with Van den Berg, with reports from This Is Anfield indicating that Liverpool wants £20 million ($25.6m) for the Dutch centre-back. However, there's a possibility he could secure a spot at Anfield next season, as new manager Arne Slot intends to assess his compatriot during the pre-season before deciding on a transfer.
THE BIGGER PICTURE:
Van den Berg has completed a full season in the Bundesliga with Mainz, starting 31 of 34 league matches. The team's strong performance towards the end of the season helped them avoid relegation. Since joining Liverpool at age 17 in 2019, he has not played for the Reds since February 2020, having been on loan at Preston North End and Schalke.
DID YOU KNOW?
Van den Berg's contract with Liverpool extends for two more years, until the summer of 2026, having signed his current deal in 2022 just before going on loan to Schalke.
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WHAT'S NEXT FOR VAN DEN BERG?
The pre-season will be crucial for Van den Berg, presenting him with the chance to establish himself in Slot's team. With Joel Matip's expected departure this summer, a spot in Liverpool's central defense could become available. Players not participating in Euro 2024 or the Olympics will return to training in the first week of July, with Liverpool having confirmed friendlies against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United in the U.S.
