Sepp van den Berg has opened the door to a potential move from Liverpool to a Premier League rival with the Mainz loanee also open to offers from La Liga, Serie A or the Bundesliga.
With Liverpool seemingly prioritising a new centre-half this summer – HITC Football understands that Chelsea’s Levi Colwill and Feyenoord ace David Hancko have been watched at Anfield – Sepp van den Berg appears to be under no illusions about what the future has in store for him.
Farmed out on loan to Mainz last summer after spells at Preston North End and Schalke, the £1.7 million signing from PEC Zwolle is already weighing up his options ahead of a potential permanent departure from the Merseyside giants.
Sepp van den Berg open to Liverpool exit
Speaking to ESPN, Van den Berg admitted that Ajax showed an interest in taking him back to the Eredivisie last year. But the Dutch under 21 international is not particularly keen on joining Jordan Henderson in Amsterdam, hoping to continue his footballing journey elsewhere.
And, maybe, at another Premier League club.
“I called (then-Ajax coach) Maurice Steijn in the summer,” the 22-year-old explains. “It was not very concrete, but there was interest. Ajax remains a very big club, but I have my sights set more on abroad. Certainly, England or Germany.
“I am now looking outside (the Netherlands), I might also want to go to Italy or Spain.
“I have been active abroad from an early age and never say never. But I am focusing on abroad this summer.”
Van den Berg has two years left on his Liverpool contract. It seems unlikely that the Reds would stand in his way, however, especially if a Colwil, a Hancko or a Goncalo Inacio arrives to strengthen Klopp’s defensive ranks.
Ajax sign Jordan Henderson after Saudi Arabia spell
“Henderson is really a top guy,” Van den Berg adds, his former Liverpool captain unveiled by Ajax on Thursday.
“He is a nice man and a real leader both on and off the field. I certainly think that Ajax’s young, talented squad can use someone in midfield who will direct. In my opinion, he can do that as well as the best.
“He is a real captain and a great personality.”
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