Liverpool consider late move for Sander Berge

Liverpool have reportedly expressed an interest in a last-minute swoop for Sander Berge to solve their midfield crisis before the transfer deadline.

According to a report from The Yorkshire Post, Liverpool have expressed interest in Sheffield United midfielder, Sander Berge, amid the Reds’ growing injury list. The Merseyside outfit are lining up a shock swoop for the Norwegian playmaker, who has a £35 million release clause, before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

After spending most of the summer denying claims that Liverpool are in need of new midfield additions, Jurgen Klopp made a sensational U-turn last week, conceding he was “wrong” and that the Reds do, in fact, need to dip into the market over the coming days.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Ruben Neves has since emerged as a potential target. However, Liverpool’s hopes of striking a late deal for the 25-year-old are slim, with the Black Country club set to price them out of a deal for their star player. Furthermore, Bruno Lage reiterated that the Portuguese playmaker would not leave this summer, with his current contract running until 2024.

“I can confirm I’m 99 per cent sure that Ruben Neves will stay at Wolverhampton this summer,” Lage told Sky Sports. Nonetheless, Liverpool have realigned their radars following the latest developments and are now considering a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge ahead of this week’s deadline.

Berge has been linked with Liverpool on a number of occasions in the past, back when he was playing for Genk. Instead, in January of 2020, he joined Sheffield United in a £22 million move. The 24-year-old has continually impressed for the Blades but has been susceptible to injuries and has been plying his trade in the Championship for the last couple of seasons.

However, due to his undisputed technical quality, the Norwegian international has often been linked with big clubs across the Premier League and Europe. Now, Liverpool are strongly named as his suitors this summer. Sheffield United are not eager to sell their playmaker. But his £35 million release clause could take things out of their hands.

It is suggested by some outlets that Liverpool may be able to steal him from Sheffield United for a discounted price should they pursue him, with a figure of around £10 million to £15 million bandied about as he only has two years left on his contract  at Bramall Lane. That said, as per the report, the Blades have already rejected bids, in fact, and it does appear that they would want the full clause.

While it may seem like a short-term or stop-gap signing at first glance, Berge will certainly not be a panic buy. Given that Klopp is a big admirer of the player and the current injury crisis, he might well end up being an excellent depth option for Liverpool. Standing at 6ft 5in, Berge is blessed with a massive frame and quite naturally excels in the air.

Berge is versatile and capable of playing either as a No. 6 or as a No. 8 courtesy of his mixture of physical and technical attributes. He also boasts technical abilities and is press-resistant which makes him an ideal fit for Klopp’s gegenpressing system. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will formalise their interest in Berge in the coming days by triggering his £35 million release clause.