Sepp van den Berg has officially completed his transfer to Brentford, even though Liverpool head coach Arne Slot had hoped to keep the young centre-back for the 2024/25 season.
The Dutch defender has signed a five-year contract with the London club and will be joining Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in a deal worth £20 million plus add-ons.
Van den Berg had an opportunity to prove himself to new Liverpool coach Arne Slot during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
The 22-year-old impressed during the tour, leading many fans to believe that this would be his breakthrough season at Anfield.
However, despite his strong performances, van den Berg has opted to leave Liverpool – a decision that goes against Slot’s wishes.
As reported by De Telegraaf, Slot had wanted to retain the talented defender at Anfield for the season, but van den Berg felt that returning to the bench, following multiple loan spells in recent years, would not be beneficial for his development.
After putting pen to paper, Van den Berg said: “It feels amazing! I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time now.
“I had a few phone calls and a meeting with the manager, where he told me why they wanted me here, they showed me what qualities they see in me as a player, so it was all positive.
He added: “Just the appreciation I felt from the manager [Thomas Frank], from other people I spoke to here, even me coming here today: everybody is just so nice.
“I really, really like it here.
“Me and Fábio have also been texting and, when he moved here, I told him that I was also in talks with Brentford, so that was funny!
“I texted him this morning – I’m sitting next to him in the changing room as well, so I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
On his style of play, he said: “Growing up in Holland, Johan Cruyff, playing out from the back, 4-3-3, Ajax: everything is just about playing football.
“So that’s what I did when I was a kid, and I think every player will say playing with the ball is more enjoyable than without the ball – I’m the same, even though I’m a defender!
“Playing football is the most enjoyable thing for every player, especially for me.”
Carvalho also attracted interest from newly promoted Leicester City and Southampton.
Carvalho’s contract includes a five-year term with an option for an additional 12 months, further extending his stay in west London.
Carvalho disclosed why he made the decision to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis to join Brentford this summer.
“I’m not going to just sit on the bench because what’s the point?” he told Sky Sports.
“I want to play football and show the world what I’m capable of, and why I train so hard every day.
“I’m not going to be able to do that by sitting on the bench.”
Read more: Brentford sign Sepp van den Berg from Liverpool for initial fee of £20m
