**Liverpool and Manchester City Rivalry Intensifies as Pep Guardiola Targets Former Liverpool Defender Sepp van den Berg**
In recent years, Liverpool and Manchester City have forged one of the most heated rivalries in Premier League history, with both clubs consistently vying for domestic dominance. This season, it seems, will be no different, as the race for the title intensifies. Against this backdrop, Pep Guardiola has reportedly shifted his focus to an unexpected target—Sepp van den Berg, the former Liverpool defender.
**Guardiola’s Ongoing Interest**
As reported by *Strike90mins*, Guardiola has had his eye on Sepp van den Berg since the Dutch centre-back was still a Liverpool player, albeit on loan at Preston North End. The report states:
*”The centre-back caught his attention during a pre-season match in 2021, and he has remained on Guardiola’s radar ever since.”*
Van den Berg, now at Brentford, left Liverpool this summer under the management of Arne Slot. A move from Manchester City for the 22-year-old would raise eyebrows, especially since Liverpool deemed him surplus to requirements only a few months ago.
**Questions Over Liverpool’s Decision**
Liverpool’s decision to sell van den Berg may come under scrutiny if City moves for him. During his loan at Preston, the Dutch defender exceeded expectations and was even considered a potential part of Liverpool’s squad under their new coaching team. However, he ultimately sought regular first-team football, which Liverpool couldn’t offer him.
If Guardiola does target van den Berg for Manchester City, it could raise questions about Liverpool’s judgment and whether they undervalued the young defender’s potential.
**The Move to Brentford and City’s Interest**
Van den Berg’s transfer to Brentford appeared to be a logical step for a player seeking consistent playing time. However, Manchester City may face similar challenges in offering him a starting role, given their already packed defense. It remains unclear how the Dutchman would fit into Guardiola’s plans.
Additionally, the reported price Liverpool set for van den Berg’s sale could be a sticking point. Brentford agreed to the terms, but it would likely surprise many—especially van den Berg himself—if City were willing to meet those demands so soon after his transfer to Brentford.
**An Unlikely, but Intriguing Move**
While the speculation surrounding a move to Manchester City remains unlikely, it adds an interesting twist to the ongoing rivalry between Liverpool and City. If Guardiola’s interest is genuine, it could bring further drama to the rivalry between the two Premier League powerhouses.
Should this transfer go ahead, van den Berg would not be the first former Liverpool player to join City, following in the footsteps of veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson. Though such a move would shock many, it underscores the unpredictable nature of football transfers and the fierce competition between these two clubs.
For now, it remains just a rumor—yet another chapter in the ever-evolving saga of the Liverpool-Manchester City rivalry.
