Liverpool’s Sepp van den Berg has openly acknowledged the possibility of departing the club this upcoming summer once he completes his loan stint at Mainz in the Bundesliga. Despite joining Liverpool for €1.9 million in 2019, the 22-year-old has only managed four senior appearances for the club, spending the last three years out on loan.
During his loan spell at Mainz this season, Van den Berg has been a consistent presence, featuring in 23 matches across all competitions. He believes he’s primed to step up and contribute significantly to Liverpool’s first-team setup. However, he’s cognizant of the stiff competition for spots in the squad and is prepared to seek opportunities elsewhere if it guarantees him regular playing time.
In an interview with Voetbal Nieuws (via Anfield Watch), Van den Berg explained his stance, expressing that while Liverpool might want him to stay upon his return, his priority is securing a role where he can actively participate on the field. He acknowledges the challenge of competing with established defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate for a starting position, emphasizing the difficulty of breaking into the lineup.
Van den Berg’s situation is further complicated by the emergence of Jarell Quansah, who has seemingly surpassed him in Liverpool’s defensive hierarchy. Despite both players spending time on loan last season, Quansah has seamlessly integrated back into the first-team setup and has become a reliable backup center-back, particularly in light of Joel Matip’s injury.
With uncertainties surrounding Van Dijk’s future and the increased competition for defensive roles, Van den Berg remains pragmatic about his prospects at Liverpool. While he believes in his abilities, he understands the challenges ahead and is prepared to explore opportunities elsewhere to ensure consistent game time.