Liverpool defender Sepp van den berg joins Mainz on loan | OneFootball

Bundesliga club Mainz 05 have announced the arrival of Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg on a season-long loan.

This will be the 21-year-old’s third loan stint away from Anfield since joining Liverpool from Eredivisie outfit PEC Zwolle in 2019.

Van den Berg is already familiar with the German top flight after spending the last season on loan at Schalke 04. But injury problems restricted the youngster to just nine Bundesliga outings.

Although the Dutchman has joined Mainz on a simple loan deal, both clubs have an undisclosed understanding that could allow for a permanent transfer next year.

Van den Berg has only made four appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, but another Bundesliga stint should provide the youngster with a platform to prove his credentials.

The Netherlands under-21 star confirmed that his conversation with Klopp was crucial in facilitating his move to Mainz.

The German tactician spent seven years with the Bundesliga side earlier in his managerial career and still has a healthy rapport with the club.

He said: “I had talks with Mainz 05 and especially with Bo Svensson early on. I really like the way he sees football and wants it to be played here.

“Of course, before I came here, I spoke with Jurgen Klopp too. He raved about Mainz and said that I would feel very comfortable here.

“I’ve been here in the stadium, and I’m happy to achieve something together with the team.”

Van den Berg is the latest Liverpool player to exit Merseyside in search of regular playing time following the departures of Calvin Ramsay, Rhys Williams and Fabio Carvalho.

Nat Phillips could be next to leave Anfield this summer – although on a permanent transfer with Dutch champions Feyenoord and Championship club Leeds United interested in securing his signature.

The Reds are demanding at least £10 million to part company with the 26-year-old, who has spent most of his four-year association with the club out on loan.