Brentford have strengthened their defensive ranks with the signing of Sepp van den Berg from Liverpool.
The 22-year-old Dutch defender has joined the Bees on a five-year contract, turning down interest from several other clubs, including German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
The deal is worth up to £25 million, with Brentford paying an initial £20 million fee and an additional £5 million in add-ons. Liverpool will retain a 17.5% sell-on clause.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, praising van den Berg’s qualities and potential. “Sepp is a centre-back with a good level and he has the potential to develop even further,” Frank said. “He fits our culture and the way we want to play – he is quick, he reads the game well and is composed on the ball in the build-up and in the decisive defending actions.”
The Bees boss highlighted van den Berg’s character and his belief that he will integrate seamlessly into the team and contribute to the club’s progress.
Van den Berg gained valuable experience during his loan spell at Mainz last season, making 33 appearances in the Bundesliga. He joined Liverpool from PEC Zwolle in 2019 but struggled to break into the Reds’ first team, also spending time on loan at Preston North End.
In addition to van den Berg, Brentford are close to securing the signing of 18-year-old Brazilian winger Gustavo Nunes from Gremio. The young talent is expected to join the Bees in the coming days, further bolstering their squad for the upcoming season.
