Liverpool centre-back Sepp van den Berg is set to leave Anfield this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen and Brentford interested. The Dutchman spent last season on loan at Mainz, where he excelled as one of the best defenders in the league.
Sepp van den Berg Set to Leave Liverpool This Summer
Multiple Suitors Interested in the Defender
Bayer Leverkusen have made contact with Liverpool over signing van den Berg, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Reds rate the defender highly and value him at £25 million, following an impressive pre-season.
However, they are also willing to trim down their squad by cashing in on young talent. This decision to sell Fabio Carvalho to Brentford for £27.5 million is strong evidence of this. The Bees are also eager to add another Liverpool youngster to their squad in van den Berg and are set to compete with the German champions. There have been “concrete talks” between the clubs.
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The Dutchman has not yet featured in the Premier League. His Liverpool career largely consists of loan spells at Mainz, Schalke and Preston North End to gain experience. Although new coach Arne Slot gave van den Berg chances in pre-season, the club is evidently keen to cash out on his potential.
What Would van den Berg Bring to Brentford?
Although it will be difficult for Brentford to compete with Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, they can offer van den Berg Premier League minutes. He typically plays as a right-sided centre-back and carries an intimidating aerial presence. His six foot four inch frame helped him dominate the penalty area at both ends, scoring three league goals.
This makes the 22-year-old the perfect candidate for Brentford’s tactics. The Bees won the third-most aerial duels in the league last season and scored seven goals from set pieces. van den Berg relished this style of play at Mainz, where he was one of the best in Europe for aerials won and blocks.
Should the Bees complete the signing soon, he could make his debut at Anfield this weekend. Brentford have already spent £48 million this summer and are looking to make a statement as they fight to become an established Premier League side.
Liverpool Squad Growing Thinner
Should van den Berg depart, it will place an even larger spotlight on Liverpool’s lack of signings. The Reds look unlikely to make any summer signings, having failed to recruit Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
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Their options at centre-back are shrinking too. Joe Gomez was not included in the matchday squad against Ipswich as he continues to attract interest from rivals. Moreover, Virgil van Dijk is in the final year of his contract and is considering his future at the age of 33.
Should all three defenders depart, it leaves the Reds with two senior centre-backs – Ibrahima Konate and Jarrell Quansah. Both have potential but lack Premier League experience. Fans are becoming more worried about the lack of signings as players begin to depart Anfield.
