Liverpool urged to 'play along' in $25m transfer discussions as player seeks move

Liverpool has today had one of its young central defenders linked with a transfer move. However, the player in question is wanted by the Reds, who have been urged to ‘play along’ when it comes to the sale of another center-back from their squad.

The former player is Jarell Quansah . It was revealed on Saturday that Newcastle wanted the 21-year-old to be included as part of the deal for Anthony Gordon . While Liverpool was hoping to sign the England winger, it is not willing to lose its rising defensive star in order to facilitate the deal.

It is far likelier that Sepp van den Berg , the other player in the opening paragraph, leaves Anfield this summer. He spent 2023/24 on loan with Mainz, the former club of Jürgen Klopp which wants to make the move a permanent one. Its sporting director Christian Heidel has admitted it needs a helping hand from Liverpool though.

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It seems inevitable that van den Berg will not make the grade with the Reds. He joined the club five years ago for $5.5m (£4.4m/€5.1m) if all add-on clauses in the deal are met. As he has made just four appearances for Liverpool, it’s fair to assume his fee won’t reach the figure quoted there.

The Dutchman has almost had as many loan clubs as games for the Reds, having represented Preston and Schalke 04 prior to his spell with Mainz. Van Den Berg did far better with the latter of the three and was a key player in its relegation battle this season.

He scored a winning goal against Augsburg and an equalizer in a draw at Dortmund, for instance. The 22-year-old obviously made numerous vital contributions at the back too. Only the top six teams in the Bundesliga conceded fewer goals than Mainz, even though it finished 13 ^th , with Van den Berg starting 31 of its 34 games.

It has been reported that Liverpool is looking to get around $25.3m (£20m/€23.6m) to release the defender, which might put him out of Mainz’ reach. Heidel spoke to Sky Deutschland ( via Fussball Transfers ) regarding the deal.

“We’re waiting. We’ve been in contact with Liverpool several times,” he said. “When Liverpool start training, there won’t be a central defender there because they’re all spread out at the European Championships and the Copa America and then they want to take a look and take their time.”

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Arne Slot wanted a chance to assess his countryman, who has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract. From what else Heidel said, it appears the completion of the deal hinges on the Reds.

“Sepp has made it clear that he would really like to stay in Mainz. We would really like to keep him, now Liverpool have to play along too. We’re giving Liverpool the time and we’re taking the time,” he added.

Liverpool.com says: This feels like a deal that will happen, all parties just need to play it cool for the time being. It would take a remarkable turn of events for van den Berg to become a key player for Liverpool next season.