Former Liverpool defender hints at possible Anfield return | OneFootball

Sepp van den Berg’s Liverpool Dream: Will the Reds Come Calling Again?

Sepp van den Berg’s recent comments about his Liverpool future, as reported by Voetbal Primeur, have stirred up plenty of discussion. The Dutch centre-back, now making waves at Brentford, hasn’t shut the door on an Anfield return. But is there a realistic route back for the 23-year-old?

A Path Away from Anfield

Van den Berg arrived at Liverpool in 2019 as a promising 17-year-old talent from PEC Zwolle. But like many young defenders in the modern game, breaking into an elite squad proved challenging. Loan spells at Preston North End and Schalke were disrupted by inconsistency and injury, while a more successful stint at Mainz last season allowed him to truly showcase his abilities.

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Brentford saw potential, splashing out up to £25m for his services last summer. So far, it looks like money well spent. The young defender has adapted swiftly to the Premier League, making 25 appearances in all competitions this season. Compared to fellow Liverpool departure Fabio Carvalho—who has struggled for game time at Brentford—Van den Berg has certainly taken his opportunity.

Yet, despite his success in West London, Liverpool remains on his mind.

A Return to Liverpool on the Cards?

In his conversation with Voetbal Primeur, Van den Berg didn’t hold back when discussing his hopes of playing for Liverpool again.

His decision to leave was driven by the need for regular football. With Liverpool’s defensive depth at the time, he didn’t see a clear pathway into the starting XI. However, injuries to Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez this season have left Liverpool short at centre-back, a situation Van den Berg has been following closely.

The centre-back is in no rush, though. He knows that solid performances over the next couple of seasons could open the door for a return—this time as a starter.

Does Van den Berg Fit into Liverpool’s Future?

Liverpool’s defensive situation remains uncertain. While Virgil van Dijk remains the leader at the back, he is now 32. Konaté has struggled with fitness, while Joe Gomez has been deployed at full-back on multiple occasions. Youngster Jarell Quansah has stepped up admirably, but Liverpool will need long-term reinforcements.

Van den Berg could offer a solution if he continues his upward trajectory. His pace, positional awareness, and ability to play in a high defensive line could suit Liverpool’s system. However, the club would need to be convinced that he is an upgrade on existing options—or at least a player worth reintegrating.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, Van den Berg’s comments will bring mixed emotions. On one hand, it’s refreshing to see a young player who still holds the club in high regard, despite making a career move elsewhere. On the other, his departure in the summer wasn’t forced—he chose to leave, even after receiving assurances from the coaching staff.

His development at Brentford is promising, but does he have the potential to become a key figure in Liverpool’s defence? Right now, he’s still behind the likes of Quansah in terms of club prospects. Liverpool will likely look for a more established centre-back in the summer rather than waiting on Van den Berg’s progress at Brentford.

That said, football is unpredictable. If he continues to shine in the Premier League and strengthens his reputation over the next couple of seasons, a return might not be so far-fetched. But for now, Liverpool’s focus is on finding immediate solutions, and Van den Berg’s next chapter will likely be written in West London rather than Merseyside.