Liverpool are close to selling their first player since Arne Slot as the clubs begin talks

Liverpool and Mainz have started talks for the transfer of defender Sepp van den Berg.

This implies that the Dutch defender may be the first player sold at Anfield since the departure of Jurgen Klopp and the start of the Arne Slot era.

Talks over a permanent move for the player between Mainz and Liverpool are ongoing, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Van den Berg had a successful loan spell at Mainz 05 last season – Jurgen Klopp’s Bundesliga side earned their first recognition.

With all eyes on the Merseysiders and their asking price for the Dutch centre-back, the 22-year-old prospect is eager to join the Bundesliga outfit.

As a promising young player from Dutch side Zwolle, Van den Berg joined Liverpool and his transfer appeared to be a long-term commitment.

Some even hailed him as the long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, but his career has not gone the way many had first anticipated.

He played for Schalke and Preston North End before spending his third consecutive season elsewhere. In the previous season, he impressed for Mainz in the Bundesliga.

He is now considering a move to the German top flight and Mainz are keen to keep him.

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The defender needs a move away from Liverpool

A move away from Anfield is the best option for the player’s career at the moment.

After joining the Merseyside club, he didn’t get many opportunities to showcase his talent, which hindered his growth as a player.

Last season proved a turning point in his career when he showed his talent in the Bundesliga and impressed Mainz.

With no chance of making the starting line-up at Liverpool, a move away from the Premier League club is exactly what his career needs at this point.