Mainz 05 have signed Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg on a loan deal for the period of the 2023-24 season.
The 21 years old Netherlands star became a member of the Liverpool squad in 2019 but he has primarily been loaned out by the club for the majority of his tenure.
Since joining Liverpool in 2019, Van den Berg made only four appearances for the first team, but he is yet to play in the Premier League.
Following the completion of his loan term at Schalke 04, Van den Berg joined Mainz 05 on loan for the entire season on Thursday evening, July 13 after he traveled to Germany to finalize the move.
Meanwhile, the German club have also indicated that the loan contract could become permanent.
In their announcement of the deal, they stated that there is a possibility of a longer-term stay at Mainz, but the specific details of this arrangement will not be disclosed by either club.
Regarding his move to Mainz, Van den Berg expressed his delight to play for the German team.
He wrote on the club’s official website, saying: “Before my arrival here, I had the opportunity to speak with Jurgen Klopp. He spoke highly of Mainz and assured me that I would feel right at home.”
“I have previously visited the stadium, acquainted myself with the fans, and am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to accomplish something alongside the team.”
Mainz Manager Bo Svensson spoke of the highly talented Reds player and promised to support him in elevating his game to new heights and enhancing his skills to reach his full potential.
Bo Svensson said: “Sepp is a young and incredibly talented center-back who already possesses numerous commendable qualities.”
“He possesses excellent technique, a strong understanding of the game, impressive physicality, and a determined mentality.”
“We engaged in some truly meaningful conversations and swiftly sensed that we were mutually compatible.”
The Liverpool defender was loaned to Schalke in Germany for the previous season. However, he only managed to make nine appearances for the first team.
Unfortunately, Schalke finished 17th in the Bundesliga and was subsequently relegated.
Hopefully, Mainz will be a better fit for the 21-year-old veteran defender this season.
Who is Sepp van den Berg?
Sepp van den Berg (born 20 December 2001) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Bundesliga club Mainz 05 on loan from Liverpool.
Sepp van den Berg’s club career
Van den Berg began his career while progressing through the PEC Zwolle youth ranks since 2012.
He made his debut for the first team on 11 March 2018.
Van den Berg officially joined Liverpool on June 27, 2019, for a confirmed fee of £1.3 million, with the total amount potentially increasing to £4.4 million if all the agreed clauses are activated.
However, he didn’t have a successful stint at Liverpool and that saw him loaned to Preston North End, a team in the EFL Championship, on February 1, 2021.
Thereafter, Van den Berg joined the Bundesliga team Schalke 04 on a season-long loan on August 30, 2022, before his recent loan move to Mainz.
His international stats
Van den Berg is a youth international player representing the Netherlands.
Van den Berg, having earned 10 caps and scored 3 goals for the Netherlands U19 team, made his debut for the Netherlands U21 team on October 12, 2021, in a commanding 5-0 victory over Wales.
