Liverpool youngster Sepp van den Berg has revealed he spoke to Burnley this summer, before eventually signing for Schalke on loan.
The centre-back returned to Liverpool from a successful loan deal at Preston North End last season, where he enjoyed a year of regular minutes to aid his development.
That was not on offer at Anfield, where the competition in Jurgen Klopp’s defence is fierce to say the least.
Another loan move was expected for the 20-year-old, who is still highly regarded by those in charge at Liverpool despite making just four first-team appearances for them so far.
He eventually joined Schalke on a season-long loan deal and has made three appearances for them in the Bundesliga so far, starting in the draw with Stuttgart, the win over Bochum and the narrow defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
It’s a switch he’s more than happy to have made, insisting he wanted to take a step up from the Championship.
“I actually already knew in the preparation that I was going to be rented out,” Soccer Niuews report him saying.
“Sitting on the bench there is nice, but of course I learn the most when I play. At Preston North End, I did get to gain a lot of experience.
“Just look at my shoulders. I gained ten kilos just in muscle mass. But another year in the Championship really wasn’t my preference.
“I spoke to Burnley, but I still wanted a step higher. Schalke 04 already inquired a year and a half ago, then I eventually chose Preston North End.
“I really rate the Bundesliga as a step up, though. Football lives here in all forms. The decision was easy for me, and my first three duels here so far proved me right.”
