Liverpool confirm Sepp van den Berg as Jurgen Klopp’s first summer transfer… despite Bayern Munich trying to steal him DURING medical
Dutch Under-19 international defender pens a 'long-term' deal at Anfield after Reds fight out late Bayern Munich hijack attempt
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LIVERPOOL have confirmed the signing of Dutchman Sepp van den Berg on a “long-term” contract after surviving a late Bayern Munich hijack attempt.
The 17-year-old PEC Zwolle defender has become Jurgen Klopp’s first addition of the summer window.
The teen told : “It’s just an amazing feeling.
“It is, for me, the biggest club in the world and it’s a dream come true. I am really excited.
“I’ve seen what kind of players from the Academy grew into the first team here. It is unbelievable, especially when this kind of big club does that.
“Of course, the trainer [Jurgen Klopp] is a great guy and one of the reasons they are successful – and also one of the reasons I came here.
“I think this is the best place for me to grow and hopefully play a lot of games here.”
Van den Berg flew to England “in deepest” secrecy earlier this week for talks with the Reds.
was joined by his parents and agents Frank Schouten, Niels van Duinen and John Morris in London to thrash out a deal.
The starlet then headed to Merseyside to undergo a medical - with Bayern making a last-ditch bid to persuade him to join them instead.
Liverpool survived and have beaten European heavyweights plus Ajax and PSV to the teenager’s signature.
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The Champions League winners are expected to pay an initial £1.7m for the Holland U19s international with a number of add-ons included into the package depending on future achievements.
Van Den Berg caught the eye last season after he burst into the Zwolle first-team and, at 16 and 81 days was the fourth youngest player ever to make his Eredivisie debut.
He went on to make 15 appearances in the Dutch top-flight.