Mainz close in on Liverpool’s van den Berg

Germany’s main sporting tabloid reports that FSV Mainz 05 are presently in negotiations to bring Liverpool F.C. defender Sepp van den Berg back to German football. 

After spending the year on loan with FC Schalke 04, Dutch center back Sepp van den Berg was returned to his parent club of Liverpool. A major injury limited the Dutch youth international to just nine appearances with his relegated Bundesliga side. According to Germany’s main sporting tabloid, however, the 21-year-old rather liked his stay in Germany and wishes to continue playing in the Bundesrepublik.

Germany’s “Sport Bild” tabloid reports that FSV Mainz 05 head-coach Bo Svensson personally met with the defender in June to convince him of a move to the Rheinhessen. The German “Boulevard-Blatt” now claims that the two sides have reached an agreement to move him to Mainz. Such a rumor seems plausible given that former colleagues Christian Heidel, Jürgen Klopp, and Jörg Schmadtke can work something out quickly.

At present, it remains unclear as to whether van den Berg will be loaned out again or join die Nullfünfter permanently. Mainz have generated a positive transfer balance of around €11.5 million already this summer following the sales of Angelo Fulgini, Marcus Ingvartsen, and Marlon Mustapha. The Dutchman’s estimated market value is only €5 million.

Van den Berg – loaned out twice by the Reds in the last two years – likely has no future at Anfield. The central defender’s current contract with Liverpool also expires at the end of next season. If he were to be loaned out again, an extension with his parent club would have to be signed first. A sale thus seems likely.

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