The Athletic journalist James Pearce reveals that Liverpool outcast Sepp van den Berg could stay under Arne Slot next season
James Pearce believes that unhappy Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg could impress Arne Slot in the pre-season to stay. Van den Berg shocked the Liverpool fans by going public with his displeasure right after learning the £20 million valuation.
The 22-year-old’s interview made no sense as he believes Liverpool overlooked him while implying, he is not worth £20 million. Van den Berg’s accusation is more baseless as the Reds have continuously relied on youngsters despite competing with cash-rich clubs.
While Van Den Berg demanded loan moves to gain first-team experiences that he thought he deserved, Jarell Quansah established himself. The Dutchman decided the continuous cycle of loan moves for himself despite Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool staff’s admiration for him.
Many Liverpool fans have ardently followed Van Den Berg during his loan spells and backed him for a big future. The Dutchman’s unwise interview hurt the fanbase that has given him unquestionable support with the belief in establishing himself at Anfield.
Answering Q&A for the Athletic, Pearce highlighted that Van den Berg could still feature under Slot and establish himself. He said:
“It will be interesting to see what happens with another centre-back, Sepp van den Berg. He’s had an excellent season on loan at Mainz in Germany and they are keen to keep him. But as I reported recently, Liverpool value him at around £20million and that is well out of their price range. If Liverpool don’t get an offer that matches their valuation and he impresses Slot in pre-season, he could yet stay.”
Van den Berg enjoyed a fantastic season at FSV Mainz 05, helping them survive a relegation drop from the Bundesliga. Mainz wants to sign the Dutchman permanently but the £20 million valuation is too much for the German club.
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Liverpool are ready to do business with the Dutchman but it is unlikely that they would reduce the price tag. Additionally, the Reds do not bend over in front of the player’s immature demands which makes Van den Berg’s interview even more self-sabotaging. However, the 22-year-old could redeem himself during the pre-season and prove that he belongs at the top-most level rather than feeling conflicted, self-contradictory and insecure.
