Sepp van den Berg Open to Permanent Departure from Liverpool
Sepp van den Berg has not ruled out the possibility of making a permanent departure from Anfield this summer, with reports of a purchase option being available at his loan club. The 21-year-old Dutch defender has joined Mainz on a 12-month deal after his temporary spell at Schalke last season was hampered by injuries.
Mainz Hint at Possibility of Longer Stay
Jurgen Klopp’s former club Mainz hinted earlier this month at the possibility of Van den Berg remaining in the Bundesliga beyond his season-long loan, adding that terms between the clubs will stay “undisclosed” for the time being. German publication Bild have since reported that the 21-year-old isn’t against the idea of turning his loan switch away from Liverpool into something more long-term.
Having already experienced a year in Germany’s top flight, Van den Berg admitted that he “can imagine” remaining at Mainz for longer than the year that has been agreed so far and that it is “difficult” to secure regular playing time at Anfield.
“I like Germany and the Bundesliga. Of course I can imagine not staying in Mainz just for one season,” the centre-back told the German publication. “Liverpool are a great club, perhaps the largest in the world. But at the same time, it is also difficult to assert yourself there.”
Purchase Option Attached to Loan Deal
Bild also reported earlier this month that deal to bring Van den Berg to the club on loan has a buy option attached to it. It means that the German side have the choice to sign the Dutchman on a permanent basis should his latest loan move be a successful one.
Van den Berg has made just four senior appearances for Liverpool, all of which came in the domestic cup competitions during the title-winning season of 2019/20. He suffered a further injury setback this summer to case doubt over his future plans, but was able to secure a third loan spell to follow his previous stints at Schalke and Preston.
The centre-back appears to have made a full recovery from the muscle tear he sustained while at the U21 Euros with the Netherlands, with Mainz confirming on their official website that he has returned to the training pitch with his new teammates. The defender will head back to the Bundesliga hoping for a clean bill of health in order to kickstart his career once again, be that at Anfield or elsewhere.
Van den Berg Looking for Regular Playing Time
Van den Berg is looking for regular playing time and a chance to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. With Liverpool’s star-studded squad, it’s no surprise that he’s looking elsewhere for opportunities. His loan move to Mainz could be an ideal situation for him as it gives him a chance to prove himself while still having an option to return to Liverpool if he impresses.
The 21-year-old is an experienced defender who has already had two successful loan spells in Germany and England. He will be hoping to make an impact in the Bundesliga this season and show Klopp what he can do. If he can stay healthy and perform well, Mainz may decide to take up their purchase option and make his move permanent.
Only time will tell if Van den Berg will remain at Mainz beyond this season, but it is clear that he is open to the possibility of making a permanent departure from Anfield this summer. He has already shown his potential during his previous loan spells and will be hoping to continue his development in Germany this season.