Sepp van den Berg

On June 27, 2019, Sepp van den Berg, a promising young Dutch footballer, signed a long-term contract with English Premier League club Liverpool FC. The move marked a significant step in van den Berg's career, as he moved from his former club, PEC Zwolle, in the Eredivisie, to join the ranks of one of England's most prestigious football clubs. The transfer fee was reported to be an initial £1.3 million, potentially rising to £4.4 million, based on appearances and success with the club. At just 17 years old, van den Berg was regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in Europe, drawing interest from various clubs. Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp expressed great enthusiasm about van den Berg's potential, noting his composure, ability to read the game, and physical attributes as a central defender. Following his move, van den Berg was expected to integrate into Liverpool's squad, developing his skills under the guidance of Klopp and the club's experienced players.

Sepp van den Berg made his official debut for Liverpool FC on February 4, 2020, during a replay match in the FA Cup fourth round against Shrewsbury Town. The match, held at Anfield, was a significant moment for van den Berg, who had been working hard to break into the first team. Liverpool fielded a youthful side for the game, as several senior players were given rest due to a congested fixture schedule and Klopp's decision to take advantage of the Premier League's winter break. The game saw van den Berg perform well in defense, helping the team secure a 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury. His performance was noted for its maturity and composure, and it was seen as a positive step in his development as a player. The debut showcased his potential and demonstrated the trust Klopp had in his young players to deliver in competitive matches.

On January 31, 2021, Sepp van den Berg joined Preston North End on loan for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. This decision provided van den Berg with an opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience in the competitive environment of the English Championship. Since joining Liverpool, van den Berg had found first-team chances limited, and the move to Preston was seen as an important step in his development, allowing him to play regular football and continue his growth as a defender. Playing in the Championship would provide different challenges compared to the Premier League, including adapting to physicality and a different style of play. Preston North End’s manager expressed excitement about van den Berg’s potential impact on the team and believed his technical abilities and tactical awareness would make a significant contribution. Throughout his loan spell, van den Berg would continue to develop, aiming to return to Liverpool with improved skills and readiness for top-tier competition.

On July 27, 2021, it was announced that Sepp van den Berg's loan at Preston North End from Liverpool would be extended for the entire 2021-22 season. The decision followed a successful initial loan spell where van den Berg impressed with his performances, versatility, and development. At Preston, he had become an integral part of the team's defense and gained considerable praise from the coaching staff and fans for his defensive contributions. Extending the loan allowed van den Berg to continue his growth and regular playtime in a competitive league, further honing his skills and experience in the Championship. The Dutch defender was noted for his adaptability, having played several roles across the backline and even as a right wing-back, contributing to both defensive solidity and offensive support. The experience was deemed crucial in van den Berg's journey towards becoming a regular starter at Liverpool in future seasons.

On August 30, 2022, Sepp van den Berg agreed to join Schalke 04 on a season-long loan from Liverpool. This move came after two successful loan spells at Preston North End, with the intention of allowing him to gain experience in a top-flight European league. Joining Schalke, a club in the Bundesliga, offered van den Berg a new set of challenges and learning opportunities, playing against some of the best teams and players in Germany. The transition was aimed at exposing him to different styles and paces of play, which would further improve his defensive capabilities and tactical knowledge. Schalke viewed van den Berg as a valuable asset to their squad, benefiting from his versatility and previous experience in English football. His time in Germany was expected to be pivotal for his career, contributing to his long-term goal of establishing himself within the Liverpool first team and as a top European defender.

On May 24, 2023, it was confirmed that Sepp van den Berg would return to Liverpool following the conclusion of his loan spell with Schalke 04. The season-long loan in the German Bundesliga gave van den Berg significant exposure to top-tier football and allowed him to refine his defensive prowess against skilled opponents. The stint in Germany was filled with both challenges and growth opportunities, as Schalke navigated a difficult season facing strong competition. Van den Berg’s performances were noted for their consistency, resilience, and adaptability, gaining invaluable experience which he anticipated leveraging upon his return to the English Premier League. His return to Liverpool was met with anticipation among the club's staff and fans, who were eager to see how his European experiences would translate into contributions within Jürgen Klopp's team. This period was viewed as crucial for van den Berg’s career development, potentially opening doors to more significant roles in Liverpool’s defense.