Special clause grants club ability to sign Liverpool "leader and boss" ahead of any other club

Sepp van den Berg, the Dutch Liverpool centre-back on loan at Mainz 05, could move to the Bundesliga permanently due to a special clause in his loan contract.

The 22-year-old has played 25 games on loan this season and has contributed significantly to Mainz's league campaign, playing a total of 1,858 minutes so far, according to data from Transfermarkt.

His performances have been stellar, averaging 1.3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 5.7 balls recovered per game, per Sofascore. Van den Berg also wins an impressive if not elite 69% of his aerials duels.

But he shines in clean, effective defending. He has only committed two errors leading to a shot all season with zero errors leading to goal and zero penalties conceded.

So, it's no surprise he's wanted permanently at Mainz although his long-term future at Anfield is unclear especially with managerial turbulence amid Jurgen Klopp's impending departure.

What's the transfer latest on Liverpool "leader and boss" Sepp van den Berg?

According to German news outlet Kicker, via Get German Football News, FSV Mainz 05 have a clause in their loan agreement with Liverpool FC regarding first refusal rights for a permanent transfer.

What this means is that Mainz retain the right to match any offers to sign Sepp van den Berg permanently. Should Liverpool decide to sell, Mainz will hold all the cards in a potential transfer battle for the Dutchman's signature.

Transfermarkt claim Liverpool could get around €5 million (£4.2M) for the 22-year-old but it's prudent to think that the Reds would be able to get a lot more than that for him.

Van den Berg is out of contract in 2026 which means Liverpool need to decide how the defender fits into their plans - if at all.

New Mainz manager Bo Henriksen has waxed lyrical about the on-loan Liverpool centre-back.

He said: “He is a leader and the boss in the middle. He’s getting better and better.”