Liverpool say yes to imminent exit, with unusual deal sanctioned after star jets out

Liverpool have greenlit a rarely-seen star’s exit, though the reported terms of the proposal could leave the Reds stranded, per reports.

The bulk of deals at Anfield this summer have and will continue to come in midfield. Indeed, a third addition to the engine room is wanted, while Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are couyrting concrete interest from Saudi Arabia.

However, Fabrizio Romano previously stressed Liverpool would love to add a back-up right-back and new centre-half this summer. Furthermore, an exit for Nat Phillips could take shape amid strong interest from Leeds Utd.

Now, according to multiple reports, a different centre-back is poised to make way before Phillips.

Firstly, German outlet Kicker state Bundesliga club Mainz are ‘about to sign’ Sepp van den Berg.

The Dutchman, 21, has been on Liverpool’s books since 2019, though has racked up just four senior appearances for the club.

Van den Berg has twice been loaned out, with spells at Preston North End and Schalke on his résumé. A third exit is now taking shape, with Mainz sporting director, Christian Heidel, said to be ‘negotiating the final details’ right now.

Kicker did not clarify whether Van den Berg would be leaving via the loan or permanent route. However, a follow-up from This is Anfield have shed light on the terms of the deal.

Firstly, they claim Van den Berg has jetted out to Germany to complete the move. Secondly, it’s claimed a season-long loan is on the horizon.

That is an unusual agreement in this instance given Van den Berg’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2024. As such, he’ll become a free agent once the loan concludes, meaning Liverpool wouldn’t recoup a fee.

To avert that scenario, Kicker stated one option open to Liverpool would be including an obligation to buy. Per the report, the obligation would be tied to Mainz avoiding relegation next year.

Their ninth-placed finish last season would suggest they’re likely to achieve that aim. However, it would mean Liverpool leave themselves open to losing Van den Berg for nothing if Mainz did go down.

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