Schalke are keen on keeping Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg next season, and the player is open to an extended stay too.
That’s according to WAZ, who have an interview with the player and Schalke’s license player manager Gerald Asamoah today.
Van den Berg has been on loan with the German side since the summer, having left Anfield on loan for a second season to continue his development.
A torn ankle ligament suffered in October means things have not worked out as planned, with a foot injury picked up in November meaning he was only able to return at the end of April.
It means he hasn’t played as much as he and Liverpool would have been hoping, having managed just four 90-minute appearances to date.
That, though, does not mean the defender is unhappy with his time at the club so far, and, in fact, he would be open to staying next season if the opportunity is there.
“I love football because of games like this,” the Liverpool youngster said after the recent win over Mainz.
“In the moments after the game and also after the converted penalty you saw so many happy people, it’s crazy, just unbelievable. That’s what football is all about: making the fans happy and creating such special emotions.
“In the two games against Bremen and Mainz alone I gained great experience. The Bundesliga is a great opportunity for me. If Schalke want to keep me, I’m definitely open to staying.”
“Schalke and I – that fits. It’s a way for me to stay here. But first we’ll finish the season, then we’ll talk to each other.”
“We know what we have in Sepp, and Sepp knows what he has in Schalke 04,” added player license manager Gerald Asamoah.
“Ultimately we have to see how the situation is after the season. We all hope to stay in. Then maybe there’s a chance to persuade Sepp to stay.”
