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3 months ago
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Liverpool youngster Sepp Van den Berg says the £20million valuation slapped on his head by the club is too much – but the Dutch defender insists it is a compliment and he is ready to fight for a place in Arne Slot’s plans.
Van den Berg has made just four senior appearances for the Reds since signing from PEC Zwolle in 2019, spending two years on loan at Championship side Preston and another with German Bundesliga clubs Schalke and Mainz.
But after an impressive season at Mainz, where he played the most minutes of any player and was the highest-rated defender in the Bundesliga according to WhoScored rankings, Van den Berg has seen his value rise with several clubs keen on taking him on.
The defender, though, believes his valuation – understood to be around £20m to £25m – is pricing him out of a move if he was to leave. ‘I know in today’s market (high prices) will happen,’ he said. ‘For the price they want for me, hmmm…
‘Liverpool may think it is right as I had a good season, if they want £20-£25million that is a lot more. Hopefully we can find a way. Maybe I stay, maybe I go. The first reaction from me is that it was quite high! It is also a compliment. But it makes it difficult, £20m is majorly high.’
Sepp Van den Berg (right) admits he was surprised that his asking price was as high as £20-25m
The Dutch defender has featured heavily in Liverpool's pre-season friendlies so far this summer
Liverpool’s valuation – as it is for all players – is based on other transactions around Europe this summer. The club saw Bournemouth set to sign Juventus defender Dean Huijsen for £12.6m plus add-ons after making just nine Serie A appearances.
Van den Berg, meanwhile, has played nearly 150 times in decent leagues. Likewise, Southampton paid £20m for Manchester City kid Taylor Harwood-Bellis after two decent seasons in the Championship. The Reds, therefore, believe £20m for Van den Berg is fair.
The 22-year-old is not in any rush to leave Anfield, though. He played in both of Liverpool’s friendlies so far, including former club Preston and a win over Spanish side Real Betis in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He put in a solid shift in both outings.
‘I spoke with (Slot) on my first day,’ added Van den Berg. ‘He said to me I have to show myself in pre-season. I had my own visions, I want to play. We will see what happens. But I am happy here. My goal is to play football next year so we will see if it is here or somewhere else.
Van den Berg insisted that although his future is up in the air he is more than willing to stay and work for a place in the side
He was the Bundesliga's highest-rated defender while on loan at Mainz last season, according to WhoScored
‘Of course, I am here now. Liverpool is one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world. It has always been my dream. I am here to show myself I am Liverpool worthy. If he gives me a chance and likes me, there’s a big chance of me staying.
‘But we are still early in the window, we will see. I was a boy when I came here, 17. I have done one and a half years in the Championship, two years in the Bundesliga. I am still young but I feel very old! It’s about game time and experience. If I get it here, there is no better place to be.’
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