Wolfsburg emerge as frontrunners to sign £20m forgotten Liverpool defender after three loan spells away from Anfield

Wolfsburg have emerged as early frontrunners for Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg.

The 22-year old enjoyed a strong season on loan at Bundesliga side Mainz this year and spoke candidly last week about his desire to leave and continue playing regular first team football.

Van den Berg signed for Liverpool from PEC Zwolle in 2019 for £1.4million but after loan spells at Preston North End, Schalke and Mainz, they now value him closer to £20m.

A number of Bundesliga clubs, including Mainz, have expressed interest in signing the Holland U21 international but Wolfsburg are considered the strongest contenders at this stage.

They expect to lose their own highly-rated centre back Maxence Lacroix this summer who is attracting enquiries from Premier League clubs such as Crystal Palace, as well as AC Milan and Juventus, so are working to identify a replacement.

Wolfsburg have emerged as early frontrunners to sign a £20m-rated Liverpool defender

Liverpool, who are among Lille defender Leny Yoro’s admirers, want to sign a centre back as they expect offers to come from Saudi Arabia for Joe Gomez, have allowed Joel Matip to leave after running down his contract and also anticipate selling Nat Phillips. 

Sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to look for significant upgrades to the squad new coach Arne Slot has inherited so would be willing to trade fringe players to help balance the books.