Sepp van den Berg’s departure from Liverpool has been finalized as he completes his move to Brentford, marking the end of his five-year tenure on Merseyside. The Dutch defender, who featured heavily in pre-season, has joined the Bees in a deal worth an initial £20 million, with an additional £5 million in add-ons.
While Bayer Leverkusen was also in the running to secure Van den Berg’s services, the 22-year-old has opted to remain in England. His decision to join Brentford suggests that he will have ample opportunities to showcase his talent under the guidance of manager Thomas Frank, who is known for nurturing young players in the first team. In fact, it is likely that Van den Berg’s move was contingent on the assurance of significant game time in the Premier League.
Van den Berg underwent a successful medical on Wednesday and has signed a five-year contract with Brentford. As part of the deal, he is expected to receive a considerable salary increase compared to his current wages, which are believed to be £10,000 or less per week. This move represents a substantial financial gain for Liverpool, as they originally acquired the centre-back in 2019 for a fee of £4.4 million. With the transfer to Brentford, Liverpool could potentially earn close to £20 million in profit.
Interestingly, Van den Berg is not the only Liverpool youngster to join Brentford this summer. He now joins Fabio Carvalho in west London, who made his debut for Brentford as a substitute in their opening day victory against Crystal Palace. Carvalho’s move to Brentford involved an initial fee of £22.5 million plus £5 million in add-ons, and both deals include a 17.5 percent sell-on clause, which would entitle Liverpool to a percentage of any future profits if Brentford decides to sell the players.
It is worth noting that Van den Berg’s immediate availability for Brentford’s upcoming match against Liverpool on Sunday adds an intriguing layer to his move. As he prepares to face his former club, all eyes will be on how he performs and whether he can make an impact against familiar opponents.
Overall, Sepp van den Berg’s transfer to Brentford marks an important step in his career, providing him with the opportunity to gain valuable experience and establish himself in the Premier League. With the potential for significant game time and a considerable salary increase, he has made a calculated decision to pursue his ambitions in England. Liverpool, on the other hand, stand to benefit financially from the transfer, potentially earning a substantial profit from their original investment. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both Van den Berg and Carvalho fare at Brentford, and whether their moves prove to be successful for all parties involved.