Mainz have opened talks with Liverpool about the permanent signing of defender Sepp van Dden Berg, with the player keen on the move.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Mainz and Liverpool are holding talks about the permanent transfer of Sepp van den Berg. The 22-year-old prospect is keen to move to the Bundesliga side, as all eyes will be on the Merseysiders and the price tag they place on the Dutch centre-back.
Mainz in talks for Sepp van den Berg
Sepp van den Berg arrived in Liverpool as an exciting teenager from Dutch side Zwolle, and the move did appear like a statement for the future. Some even heralded him as the long-term successor to compatriot Virgil van Dijk, but his career has taken a different direction than many envisaged initially.
He has had a series of loan deals, with the 18-month move to Preston North End standing out for his career development. However, last season, he might have taken a step up in his career with a temporary move to German side Mainz and was one of their top performers over the season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are eager to extend Jarell Quansah’s deal, and the young defender’s rise to prominence will block any return for the 22-year-old prospect. Van den Berg recently hit out at Liverpool’s treatment of him and certainly has no interest in returning to Anfield.
Now, Mainz is eager to sign him on a permanent basis, and talks are already underway with Liverpool. The 22-year-old prospect also appears eager to join the Bundesliga side ahead of the summer. All eyes will be on Liverpool and their asking price for the player, who still has a contract until 2026.
Liverpool will demand big for Van den Berg
Liverpool have been shrewd operators in the transfer market, and for some reason, they have achieved maximum results with player sales. They have consistently sold some of their young talents for top dollar, and the big move of Rhian Brewster to Sheffield United a few seasons ago stands out.
There are reports that they might ask for big money to sell Van den Berg, with suggestions that Liverpool might demand £20 million for the Dutchman. Are Mainz in a position to pay that much? It remains to be seen, but there will be talks between the clubs that could potentially reduce the demand.
