In a recent interview with Radio Punto Nuovo (via Goal.com), Genk sporting director Dimitri De Conde has revealed that Liverpool are one of the sides interested in recruiting Sander Berge when he said, “Napoli are interested in Sander, it’s a possibility a deal could be done.
“We also know that Liverpool are interested and [Jurgen] Klopp, after the game at Anfield [in the Champions League], complimented him on his performance.
“There are clubs in Italy who are following Berge and Napoli could be one of them, but at this stage there are no offers on the table. From next week, things could change.
“We haven’t had any official contact with Napoli yet.”
De Conde also went on to add (via Goal.com), “Our intention is to hold on to Sander until the end of the season, but we can’t make any predictions. If the big clubs come knocking at our door, we will have to start negotiations, just as the agent has to do.
“These are situations we can’t predict, we’re focused on our season, hoping to keep Sander until May. Then if a top club like Napoli is serious, we will sit at the same table to negotiate, it is logical.
“The current valuation of Berge? We do not talk about figures; we do not set a price at the moment. We will see when we find ourselves in a negotiation.”
Berge’s Incredible Rise In The Jupiler Pro League
The 21-year-old has thrived with regular first-team opportunities for Genk this season. He has already put in a couple of match-winning displays for the Belgian outfit and has been one of the standout players of his division. Berge has scored two goals in 20 matches for Genk this term on all fronts.
He also caught the eye in both group-stage matches against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Genk rising star is averaging 1.3 interceptions, 2.3 clearances and 1.5 dribbles per game in the European matches this season (stats via whoscored). He is a complete midfielder who has the potential to become one of the best players in his position someday.
The Norwegian prospect has a very bright future in European football, so it is no surprise that some of the top teams are looking to sign him in the future.
What Will The Norwegian Starlet Add To The Liverpool Squad?
Berge has decent pace in his locker and can make some driving runs from midfield. He has been the engine of the current Genk team as he works his socks off for the benefit of his club. The Norwegian talent has remarkable upper-body strength which allows him to be a dominant force at the centre of the park. He is an accurate passer who is not shy to get stuck in with a few challenges to win back possession for his side.
Berge is a young talent who will undeniably bolster Klopp’s midfield options at Merseyside. Fabinho is currently in a class of his own when playing as the anchorman in the Liverpool midfield. However, Klopp does not have a suitable back-up for the Brazil international. Therefore, an up-and-coming midfielder like Berge could fill that role.
Furthermore, he will also be an ideal fit to play as a midfielder in Liverpool’s 4-3-3 system at Anfield. Berge has impressed as a defensive midfielder as he can harass the opposition and make some vital interceptions which will suit Klopp’s brand of counter-pressing football at Merseyside.
