Schalke 04 confirm Sepp van den Berg talks on a new loan deal for the Liverpool defender
Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg and his future are in the spotlight once again as talks between Schalke 04 and the player’s representatives for a fresh loan stand confirmed. The 21-year-old Dutch talent, who joined Liverpool in 2019, spent the previous season on loan at Schalke, making a strong impact despite enduring a long-term ankle injury.
With discussions now underway, the possibility of another loan spell for van den Berg could remain in the books. Speaking to Voetbal International via Liverpool ECHO, Schalke 04’s sporting director Andre Hechelmann has revealed the club is in discussions with the player’s entourage about the possibility of bringing the Dutchman back to Germany for another season.
Following his £1.3m move from PEC Zwolle to Liverpool, van den Berg saw himself shipped to Schalke for the 2022/23 season after a loan spell at Preston North End for 18 months. Despite facing a setback due to a long-term ankle injury, Sepp van den Berg showcased his potential in his ten appearances for Die Knappen.
His impressive performances stood out even as the club faced relegation from the Bundesliga. Having said that, here is what Schalke’s Sporting Director had to say about the Dutchman’s situation via ECHO:
“We are talking to him and his advisor. I see the [Instagram] post more as a thank you from Sepp.”
What next for Sepp?
While Hechelmann acknowledged the player’s recent Instagram post expressing gratitude, he sees it primarily as a token of appreciation rather than a definitive decision. The talks focus on the possibility of arranging a second loan spell rather than a permanent move.
For Liverpool, van den Berg’s development is a key consideration in any decision regarding his future. Although his loan spell at Schalke showed promise, Liverpool must weigh the chances of Van den Berg earning enough game time at the Reds.
His performances in Germany have impressed his temporary employers, to say the least, who wish to retain him for more than just a loan period.
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The loan spell at Schalke allowed him to adapt to a different style of play and demonstrate his defensive prowess against strong opponents. Liverpool will closely monitor his progress and evaluate how it fits into their defensive setup for the future.
If the loan agreement is finalized, it would grant van den Berg another opportunity to gain crucial experience and potentially return to Liverpool as a more refined player, ready to compete for a spot in the first team.
