Liverpool have decided to allow young defender Sepp van den Berg to leave the club on-loan once again next season.
Van den Berg had looked set for a promising spell with Schalke last season, before injury ruined his campaign. Having perhaps had his eye on a place in the Reds first team for 2022/23, that was a real blow for the 21-year-old.
Now, Sport Bild report that Liverpool’s wish for Van den Berg to be loaned out once again for the upcoming year
With that in mind, Bundesliga side Mainz are reportedly in discussions with Liverpool over a temporary deal. Another spell at Schalke had looked to be a real possibility for the Dutchman, but the Reds are said to be keen for Van den Berg to join a team playing in a top division. After Schalke’s relegation, that rules them out.
By the sounds of things, Mainz are very much in the mix, though. Jurgen Klopp’s former side reportedly need reinforcements in defence and Van den Berg is said to fit the bill.
It really is a shame that injury wrecked last season for Van den Berg. After an ‘excellent’ 18 months with Preston North End in the Championship, a move to the Bundesliga was a welcome step up for him.
Indeed, the Netherlands U21 star began the season well, cementing his place in Schalke’s starting XI.
But, just four games into the season, disaster stuck Van den Berg. An ankle ligament injury eventually ruled him out from early October until the end of April.
In reality, that put paid to any hopes he had of breaking into Liverpool’s first team next season. With Joel Matip potentially on the move and Joe Gomez looking a shadow of his former a self, there was a potential spot open for Van den Berg.
Had he done well in Gelsenkirchen, you could see how he could then be eased in as the new fourth or fifth-choice back at Anfield. But alas, Sepp now needs to go out and get top-level game time to continue his development.
If he does head out for the season, he’ll be pushing 23 by the time he returns to Liverpool. That’ll be approaching now or never territory.
Having signed a contract until 2026, next summer will be a crucial one for Van den Berg. Should he get a full, good season under his belt at Bundesliga level with Mainz, he could yet have a Liverpool career. If not, he’ll probably move on.
