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Sepp van den Berg Eyes Permanent Move to Mainz

Mainz’s Sporting Director Confident in Defender’s Desire to Stay

Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel is convinced that Sepp van den Berg has set his sights on permanently moving to the Bundesliga club. The 22-year-old Liverpool loanee, who spent the 2023/24 season at Mainz, strongly desires to continue his journey in Germany. This sentiment has been echoed by multiple sources, including van den Berg himself and Mainz and Liverpool representatives, as reported by Kicker.de.

Photo: IMAGO

Van den Berg’s Journey from Anfield to Mainz

Sepp van den Berg’s career trajectory has been anything but linear. After leaving Dutch club PEC Zwolle, he signed with Liverpool in the summer of 2019. His time at Liverpool included multiple loan spells, notably at Preston North End and Schalke, before landing at Mainz. Initially struggling to secure a place in the starting lineup, van den Berg has since become a key player for Mainz, especially during a challenging season where the club battled relegation.

Stellar Performances in the Bundesliga

Despite Mainz’s struggles, van den Berg’s performances have been exceptional. According to FBRef, he ranks in the 99th percentile for headers won, 96th percentile for blocks, and 83rd percentile for interceptions and clearances among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues. Such statistics highlight his significant impact and potential, making him a valuable asset for any team.

Van den Berg’s Determination to Leave Liverpool

Van den Berg’s feelings about his future are clear. He feels undervalued by Liverpool, who he believes have not shown enough confidence in his abilities. Speaking to De Telegraaf, van den Berg expressed his frustration: “They didn’t radiate confidence in me all this time, but you want to hinder my future.” He emphasized his desire to continue playing regularly and developing his skills, which he believes is best achieved by staying in Germany.

Christian Heidel’s Statements

In an interview with Kicker, Christian Heidel reinforced van den Berg’s desire to remain at Mainz. Heidel stated, “The only one who has made a decision is Sepp. He definitely wants to stay in Mainz.” This statement confirms van den Berg’s intentions and underscores Mainz’s interest in retaining the talented defender.

Photo: IMAGO

A Logical Move for All Parties

From a strategic standpoint, van den Berg’s permanent move to Mainz seems logical. Liverpool has placed a £20 million valuation on him, consistent with market trends for defenders of his age and profile. However, van den Berg’s determination to stay in Germany, where he feels challenged and valued, outweighs the potential financial benefits for Liverpool. His enjoyment of playing against top-tier teams like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund further cements his preference for the Bundesliga.

Conclusion

Sepp van den Berg’s tenure at Mainz has proven fruitful, both for the player and the club. His impressive performances and desire to stay make a strong case for a permanent move. Christian Heidel aptly said, “He definitely wants to stay in Mainz.” For van den Berg, continuing his development in Germany appears to be the best path forward, away from the uncertainties of his Liverpool tenure.

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