TSG Hoffenheim will need to fork out €20m to land Liverpool star Sepp van den Berg
Liverpool star Sepp van den Berg is keen to leave Anfield in search of regular playing time this summer, despite impressing head coach Arne Slot in pre-season training. The Dutchman has seen his value soar following an impressive loan spell at Mainz in 2023/24.
Despite earning Slot’s approval this summer, the 22-year-old is unconvinced that his future lies at Anfield. He is not short of options with several sides across Europe keeping track of his situation. The Reds are not amenable to a sale but are holding firm on their asking price.
According to Florian Plettenberg via X, the latest side to join the race is TSG Hoffenheim. The Germans have already held talks with the player but as of yet, there has been no progress in the deal. They are yet to make an offer or talk to Liverpool, something that could pick up in the coming weeks as we enter the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
The Dutchman was signed in the summer of 2019 from PEC Zwolle and has since made just four appearances for the Reds across all competitions. He has largely spent time out on loan and at just 22, Sepp has made the most of those opportunities. He has the world at his feet and is ready to take the next step in his development.
He did not just impress at Mainz in 2023/24 but played a key role in helping the club stave off relegation. He won the most aerial duels (171) out of defenders in Europe’s top five leagues last season and caught the eye of several clubs given his age and potential. At just 22, he could future-proof the centre-back role for the upcoming decade.
While Sepp van den Berg is far from assured of a bigger role at Anfield next season, the opportunity is there for him should he decide to take it. After all, Jarell Quansah did just that last season and is expected to save the club millions in the years to come should he keep up his performances.
However, with the player keen to leave, the focus is likely to shift to getting a deal that is on the Reds’ terms. Liverpool have already rejected offers for him from VfL Wolfsburg and Mainz this summer while PSV Eindhoven are waiting in the wings to swoop. Hofenheim’s entrance now adds a fresh layer to this unexpected transfer saga.
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PSV were hoping to bide their time and swoop for Sepp in August. But with Hoffenheim entering the race, the Reds could provoke a bidding war, much to their benefit. As things stand, the asking price is €20m and the onus is on the interested parties to make the Reds an offer they cannot refuse.