Liverpool have officially confirmed through their social media platforms that a deal has been agreed with PEC Zwolle for their young defender Sepp van den Berg.
Sepp van den Berg is set to become the latest addition to Liverpool’s Dutch camp at Anfield. The Reds have confirmed an agreement with PEC Zwolle for the young defender, who is set join the club in July, subject to international clearance.
Liverpool had to fend off a late hijack attempt from Bayern Munich while the European champions also beat van den Berg’s National giants Ajax and PSV to the deal, which is likely a brilliant coup, something the expert from SBD agrees to as well.
Sepp van den Berg, 17, did not hide his ecstasy at completing a move to Liverpool as he sat down for his first interview at the club.
“It’s just an amazing feeling. It is, for me, the biggest club in the world and it’s a dream come true. I am really excited. I’ve seen what kind of players from the Academy grew into the first team here. It is unbelievable, especially when this kind of big club does that.”
“Of course, the trainer [Jürgen Klopp] is a great guy and one of the reasons they are successful – and also one of the reasons I came here. I think this is the best place for me to grow and hopefully play a lot of games here,” van den Berg added.
“I’ve seen what kind of players from the Academy grew into the first team here. It is unbelievable, especially when this kind of big club does that.” ✊ pic.twitter.com/Uep7fwEtTM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 27, 2019
Despite his age, van den Berg comes across as a dominating figure at the back. The Dutch defender has been a part of his local club PEC Zwolle since 2012. While van den Berg made his senior debut for PEC Zwolle in the 2017-18 campaign, the 2018-19 campaign saw him lap up 15 appearances in Eredivisie, thus becoming a regular in the league for the club.
The fee is reported to be in the region of €1.5 million, which is truly a bargain in the current market conditions. The youngster expressed his desire to break into the first-team in his first-year at the club itself while also looking forward to the prospect of training alongside Virgil van Dijk, who he labelled as the best defender in the world.
Asked about his aspirations and targets, van den Berg said,“ Longer-term, I hope I can play as much as possible here for the club. Short-term, [my target is] to be with the first team, develop myself, grow into the team and see how it goes. Long-term, I really want to be a legend here.”
It will be interesting to see how Sepp van den Berg develops at Liverpool. The Dutch youngster will be looking to emulate the success that Virgil van Dijk has had at the club along with taking hope from the fact that compatriot Ki-Jana Hoever made his senior debut last season.
