Liverpool have bolstered their defensive options with the arrival of Oludare Olufunwa, who will join up with the club's U21s.
The 20-year-old was handed a trial on Merseyside and has subsequently been signed for nothing after his release by Southampton. Olufunwa was at the Saints for over a decade but will now look to continue his career in the north west.
He played in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City alongside Jarell Quansah as the Red began their Premier 2 season. Olufunwa will be battling for a start with the likes of Lee Jonas and Terence Miles. U21s boss Barry Lewtas had seen a host of his defensive options leave which had left him light.
Rhys Williams, among the most high profile players operating at that level, has headed out on loan to Blackpool. Tom Clayton and Billy Koumetio have also left this summer. They could be followed by Dutchman Sepp van den Berg, who is reviewing his options as he seeks regular minutes at senior level.
The 20-year-old, signed for £4.4m back in 2019 by the Reds, left on loan last term to join Preston North End, where he played a key role. Van den Berg made 49 appearances - more than any other player at Deepdale - scoring twice. His minutes at Anfield seem to be limited and, as a result, he is considering another move away.
The Dutchman was an unused substitute for the first-team as they drew 2-2 with Fulham at Craven Cottage. His want for regular playing time has seen him linked with Burnley, who are keen to have him at Turf Moor, according to the Athletic.
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New Clarets boss Vincent Kompany is looking to earn promotion back to the top flight as the first time of asking, but no deal is in place to sign the Liverpool player at present. Burnley could also face competition from teams in Germany who are also keen on the defender.
Earlier this summer Van den Berg was quizzed on his future and said “I had a little chat with him (Jurgen Klopp) about the loan last season. But it’s too early for that. With so many players, everyone is trying their best to impress and of course to get fit. For me now at the moment, it’s really to enjoy. It’s a great experience to be here.
“It’s a great experience to be back training with the guys as well, of course the level is outstanding. I’ve missed it. For me personally now, it’s just try to get back and impress everyone and we’ll see what happens.”
