Despite Southampton’s focus on attacking players in the current transfer window—targeting high-profile names like Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko and Celtic’s Matt O’Reilly—the team’s needs extend beyond the forward line. Historically, Southampton has been a breeding ground for talent, regularly supplying top clubs like Liverpool with promising players.
Now, Southampton is looking to strengthen their squad by purchasing from Liverpool, aiming to secure rising talent capable of ensuring their Premier League survival and long-term stability after their relegation in the 2022/23 season.
According to Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo, as discussed on Redmen TV, Southampton is interested in Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg. The 22-year-old has been a highly regarded prospect at Liverpool, but it was during the 2023/24 season with Mainz that he truly emerged as a standout center back.
Van den Berg had previously struggled during his time with Schalke, a team relegated to the 2. Bundesliga, where he only managed to start eight games. However, his performance improved significantly with Mainz, where he scored three goals and delivered impressive stats, including 1.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, alongside 5.2 aerial duels won and 4.7 clearances per match. He was also rarely dribbled past, only 0.3 times per game.
Southampton could benefit from Van den Berg’s services immediately, as he is likely to start and further develop, building on his successful first season as a mainstay with Mainz. Although priced at approximately £20 million, Van den Berg represents a fair investment for a player who has proven himself as one of Europe’s top young defenders and a leading central defender in German football.
