Mainz chief executive Christian Heidel has spoken on he and the club’s attempt to land Liverpool man Sepp van den Berg.
The centre-back is one of a few Reds players whose futures are not entirely decided on Merseyside with the Premier League opener less than three days away.
Despite impressing compatriot Arne Slot in pre-season, Van Den Berg could find himself departing Anfield before the summer transfer window slams shut on 30 August.
The Dutchman enjoyed a fine campaign on loan at Mainz for the duration of the 2023/24 campaign.
Throughout the season, Van den Berg was a mainstay in Mainz’s backline, starting in 31 of the 33 Bundesliga matches he was involved in. His performances earned him high praise, and he was considered one of the most reliable defenders in the league.
He ranked in the 99th percentile for headers won, in the 89th percentile for blocks made, and the 78th percentile for interceptions made during the 2023/24 season [FBREF.com].
What makes these statistics even more impressive is that he is being compared to his positional peers in Europe’s Top Five leagues.
And after those performances, the Anfield club slapped a big £20m fee on the Dutchman, which has understandably put a lot of clubs off the chase.
What did Christian Heidel say about Sepp van den Berg?
Speaking to Florian Plettenberg and Sky Germany, the Mainz chief revealed that he is still holding out a hope for Sepp van den Berg – even if it is just for a loan move once more.
“We are a bit dependent on FC Liverpool, Heidel began.
“I know that he would very much like to return to Mainz. Perhaps the player’s voice will play a role in Liverpool’s decision.”
“Of course, it is Liverpool’s legitimate right to put a price tag on the player.”
“But then there has to be a club willing to pay that price, and the player has to want to go there.”
“As of today, that’s not the case, which is why we still have a chance.”
“If Liverpool loans him out for another year, then we are the perfect club. Sepp would confirm that as well. We are waiting a bit longer and preparing ourselves in case it doesn’t work out.”
Meanwhile, it has been reported by De Telegraaf that Dutch giants PSV have already pulled out of the deal due to what they deem as an excessive price tag.
?? Excl. statement by #Mainz boss Christian Heidel about dream target Sepp van den Berg: ⤵️
“We are a bit dependent on FC Liverpool. I know that he would very much like to return to Mainz. Perhaps the player’s voice will play a role in Liverpool’s decision.”
Heidel still… pic.twitter.com/7UrhhYyJSe
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 14, 2024
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