‘We want him to stay’ – club director admits Dutch defender’s future at Liverpool does not depend on him

Mainz chief executive Christian Heidel has expressed his desire to re-sign defender Sepp van den Berg despite admitting Liverpool’s £20million asking price is out of the question.

After confirming that Mainz are unable to match the level of transfer fee Liverpool have offered, Heidel would like to see the Dutchman return to the Bundesliga club on another loan deal.

“We would like him to stay and Sepp would like him to stay very much. But we also respect that Liverpool have not decided yet.

“We won’t buy a player for more than £20m, which is what Liverpool want. Our club can’t do that,” he said, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

‘We want him to stay’ – club director admits Dutch defender’s future at Liverpool does not depend on him3 minutes agoby Tom Barnes

How Arne Slot can free Diogo Jota from Liverpool purgatory and make him one of the BEST in the world1 hour agoby Sam McGuire

Liverpool transfer news today: Trio stays, Major Gordon UPDATED and Endo WANTED by English club2 hours agoby Ewan Ross-Murray

Van den Berg has enjoyed an impressive season at Mainz in 2023/24, attracting much interest since he reported for pre-season at Liverpool last month.

The defender was a mainstay of Mainz’s defence last season, making 36 appearances and scoring four goals for the German club.

1:0 Mainz durch Sepp van den Berg 3, Mainz 05 17.02.2024, Football, 1. Bundesliga, 1. FSV Mainz 05 – FC Augsburg, 22. Game, Season 2023/24, MEWA Arena, Mainz, Germany, zmdz, ** DFB and DFL regulations prohibit the use of photos as image sequences and/or quasi-video. ** 1. FSV Mainz 05 – FC Augsburg *** 1 0 Mainz by Sepp van den Berg 3, Mainz 05 17 02 2024, Football, 1 Bundesliga, 1 FSV Mainz 05 FC Augsburg, Matchday 22, Season 2023 24, MEWA Arena , Mainz, Germany, zmdz, DFB DFL regulations prohibit the use of photos as image sequences and/or quasi-video 1 FSV Mainz 05 FC Augsburg

The Anfield club have rejected permanent offers for Mainz and fellow Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, while PSV Eindhoven have failed to put together an appropriate financial package.

Liverpool’s valuation seemed to take the defender by surprise despite his impressive performances last season.

“If you want to leave, £20m is quite a lot,” Van den Berg said with a smile at a recent news conference.

“I know in today’s market crazy things can happen. They put a price on me that Liverpool might think is fair because I had a good season last year.

“My first reaction was that it’s quite tall! Of course, in a way it’s a compliment. It’s a sign of how well I did last year.

“But it makes it a bit more difficult the other way around. If they thought I was only worth £2m, that wouldn’t be nice, but £20m is maybe a bit too much.”

Van den Berg wants to show he is ‘worthy of Liverpool’

It has always been clear that Van den Berg wants to play regularly, whether it be on Merseyside or elsewhere.

The Dutchman has impressed this summer playing in the centre of defence alongside Jarell Quansah, starting both of Liverpool’s friendlies in the United States so far.

The defender reiterated that his dream is to stay and play for Liverpool, as well as dreaming of playing regularly and is willing to move elsewhere to fulfil his dream.

“Maybe I’ll stay, maybe I’ll go. Now I’m here. Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’ve always dreamed of playing here and I still do.

“I spoke to Arne (Slot) the first day and he said I had to show myself in pre-season. Of course I have my own visions about things. I like playing.

“I’m here to show the new manager that I’m worthy of Liverpool,” said Van den Berg.

How Arne Slot can free Diogo Jota from Liverpool purgatory and make him one of the BEST in the world1 hour agoby Sam McGuire

Mohamed Salah hints at change of mood at Liverpool after pre-season with Arne Slot16 hours agoby Bence Bocsak

New solution to Liverpool’s No.6 problem emerges as Arne Slot cracks Szoboszlai code2 days agoby Elliot Thompson