Liverpool could lose 'best U23 defender in Europe' for as little as £4m due to 'transfer clause'

Liverpool could be about to lose one of their young guns for as little as £4m this summer as the future of Sepp van den Berg becomes uncertain.

The 22-year-old, who has spent the last four years on loan at different clubs, has been a key figure and star performer at centre-back in the Bundesliga as he helped Mainz to pull off an unlikely escape from relegation. The Dutchman had a formative effect on the side as he started 31 of their 34 league games.

His figures had been attracting attention from afar as he was ranked as WhoScored’s best u23 central defender in Europe’s top five leagues, boasting an average of 7.02. Standing tall at 1.92m tall, he also registered the second-most aerial duels won in the Bundesliga with 185 and he was ranked as one of the fastest players in the league.

And yet, with the uncertainty regarding his next steps, there are reports from Germany that Mainz are hoping to trigger a transfer clause which would see them able to agree a deal for less than €5m (£4.2m). That report comes from German outlet Kicker who claim Mainz intend to activate the buy clause and will take advantage of the first right of refusal. Essentially, they would be able to sign the player on a permanent deal for a low fee as long as he agrees a contract.

In terms of his Liverpool future, that is much less clear. Arne Slot is likely to want to see him in the flesh around pre-season to gauge his level. After all, Liverpool have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahim Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez at their disposal with Joel Matip exiting and he will surely want to assess his options before green-lighting any deals for defenders.

The emergence of Quansah is likely to be a major barrier to success for Van den Berg but he has proven himself with a brilliant personal campaign. Liverpool will not want to make a mistake of losing a talented youngster who has proven himself away from England and blossomed into an exciting and dependable senior centre-back.