- Sepp Van den Berg has participated in both of Liverpool’s pre-season games to date
- The young defender enjoyed a successful loan at Mainz last season in the Bundesliga
- FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED after Liverpool’s narrow 1-0 victory over Real Betis in Pittsburgh
Liverpool’s young talent Sepp Van den Berg has expressed that the £20 million price tag assigned to him is excessive, but he views it as a compliment and is eager to prove himself in new manager Arne Slot’s plans.
Since joining from PEC Zwolle in 2019, Van den Berg has only made four senior appearances for the Reds, having spent two years on loan at Championship club Preston and another year with Bundesliga teams Schalke and Mainz.
Following a standout season at Mainz where he played more minutes than any other player and earned the title of the highest-rated defender in the Bundesliga according to WhoScored rankings, Van den Berg has seen increased interest from several clubs.
Despite this, the defender feels that the proposed valuation, which is believed to be around £20m to £25m, makes a potential move difficult. “I recognize the current market prices,” he stated. “Considering the amount they want for me, it’s quite significant.”
“Liverpool thinks this is justified based on my strong season, but £20-25 million does seem quite steep! It’s flattering, but it complicates matters.”
Sepp Van den Berg (right) admits he was surprised that his asking price was as high as £20-25m
The Dutch defender has featured prominently in Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies this summer
Liverpool’s valuation is reflective of the current transfer landscape in Europe. They witnessed Bournemouth preparing to sign Juventus defender Dean Huijsen for £12.6m plus add-ons after he made merely nine Serie A appearances.
In contrast, Van den Berg boasts nearly 150 appearances across reputable leagues. Similarly, Southampton recently paid £20m for Manchester City prospect Taylor Harwood-Bellis after two sound years in the Championship. Thus, Liverpool believes that £20m for Van den Berg is justified.
The 22-year-old isn’t rushing to depart Anfield, having played in both of Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures thus far, including matches against his former club Preston and a victory against Real Betis in Pittsburgh, where he performed admirably.
“I spoke with (Slot) on my first day,” Van den Berg shared. “He mentioned that I need to demonstrate my abilities during pre-season. I have my own aspirations to play, and we will see what the future holds. However, I’m content here. My aim is to play football next year, and we will see whether that is here or elsewhere.”
Van den Berg insists that, despite the uncertainty regarding his future, he is more than willing to stay and compete for a spot in the starting lineup
He was the Bundesliga’s highest-rated defender while on loan at Mainz last season, according to WhoScored
“Absolutely, I’m here now. Liverpool is arguably one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest. It has always been my dream. I aim to demonstrate my worthiness for Liverpool. If given a chance and the coach appreciates my contributions, there is a high likelihood I will remain.”
“However, we’re still early in the transfer window; we shall see. I was a kid when I arrived here at 17. I’ve spent one and a half years in the Championship and two years in the Bundesliga. I’m still young but feel quite experienced! It’s all about getting game time and building experience. If I can achieve that here, there’s no better place to be.”
