Former Liverpool Defender Reveals What it Would Take for Anfield Comeback | OneFootball

Sepp van den Berg’s Liverpool Return? A Dream, But Only On His Terms

Liverpool’s squad evolution under Arne Slot has been one of patience rather than immediate overhaul. Despite entering his tenure without significant reinforcements, the Reds have continued to compete at the highest level. But as Liverpool’s defensive depth has been tested this season, a familiar name has emerged as a potential future solution—Sepp van den Berg.

The former Liverpool centre-back, now thriving at Brentford, has admitted he still harbours ambitions of returning to Anfield. However, as his recent comments to Voetbal Primeur suggest, any potential comeback would come with strict conditions attached.

Van den Berg’s Growth at Brentford

Liverpool secured a £25m package when selling Van den Berg to Brentford, including a 17.5% sell-on clause. While some viewed the move as a way to raise funds rather than a footballing decision, the Dutch defender has proven his worth in the Premier League.

Speaking about his decision to leave, Van den Berg was candid:

At 23, he was unwilling to remain a fringe player. He had performed well in pre-season, but rather than staying as a backup, he chose to take control of his future.

For Van den Berg, it was about more than just being part of a top club—it was about playing regularly and developing as a first-choice defender.

Liverpool’s Defensive Depth Tested

Slot’s decision not to replace Van den Berg was a gamble that has had mixed consequences. Virgil van Dijk remains ever-reliable, but injuries to Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez have stretched the squad. Midfielder Wataru Endo has even deputised at centre-back at times.

Photo: IMAGO

Had Van den Berg remained, he likely would have featured in key moments this season. But as he points out, that would not have been enough for him:

This isn’t just about sentiment. Van den Berg doesn’t want a return for nostalgia’s sake—he wants to be a guaranteed first-choice player.

The Sell-On Clause Gives Liverpool an Advantage

One intriguing element of this potential return is the financial structure. The 17.5% sell-on clause means that Liverpool could buy Van den Berg back for less than other suitors.

But as his own words suggest, the ball is firmly in Van den Berg’s court. Without guarantees of a starting role, a return to Anfield remains just a dream for now.

Our View – Anfield Index

For Liverpool fans, Van den Berg’s comments will be intriguing but also slightly frustrating. Here’s a player who is proving himself in the Premier League, and yet Liverpool let him go at a time when defensive depth was already a concern.

There’s no question that Van Dijk and Konaté are the first-choice pairing when fit. But with Gomez’s injury record and Jarell Quansah still developing, wouldn’t Van den Berg have been a smart squad option?

His determination to be a starter is admirable, but football is about competition. Would he truly walk into Liverpool’s XI right now? Probably not. Yet, his confidence and continued development suggest he could be a long-term option, and who knows could he succeed his fellow Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk?

If Van den Berg continues to impress at Brentford and Liverpool do return for him, the Reds will have to convince him that a future in their starting XI is realistic. For now, he remains a ‘one that got away’—but one that Liverpool can still bring home if they choose.