Arne Slot has the chance to do his former side a favour as they enter the race for Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg.
Martijn Krabbendam of Voetbal International has revealed that Slot’s former side Feyenoord have joined the race for the 22-year-old.
Van den Berg arrived at Liverpool from Dutch side PEC Zwolle in 2019 and has since been loaned out to Preston North End, Schalke and Mainz. However, it now looks like the Dutchman may have the chance to return to his homeland.
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A number of clubs interested
Feyenoord are not the only interested club in the Eredivisie, with reigning champions PSV Eindhoven also keen on bringing the defender back to his home country.
On top of interest in the Netherlands, a number of Bundesliga clubs are also eyeing the youngster including Mainz, where Van den Berg spent last season on loan, and German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
Multiple reports claim that Van den Berg is reluctant to remain at Liverpool as he is determined to play consistent first-team football, meaning an exit looks likely before the end of the window.
An impressive season
Van den Berg is known for his dominance in the air and his ability to get himself between shots and the goal. He impressed for Mainz last season, helping them narrowly escape relegation.
Despite the 22-year-old featuring in the Reds’ US pre-season tour, Virgil Van Dijk, Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konaté are all likely to remain above Van den Berg in the pecking order at Liverpool.
Joe Gomez also remains an option at centre back, although the Champions League winner was only deployed there for five of his 51 appearances last season.
Although van den Berg has impressed while out on loan, Liverpool’s great depth in his position means that a sustained run in the starting XI is unlikely unless injuries occur. This will probably be enough for the youngster to force his way out of Merseyside and to one of his many suitors.
Liverpool are reportedly demanding around £20 million for the defender and this has so far been a stumbling block in negotiations.
However, with Slot’s former side now stepping up to the negotiating table, and the number of teams in for the highly-rated Dutchman increasing, a deal could soon be finalised that would see Van den Berg get his move away from Anfield.
