Zwolle defender Sepp van den Berg has revealed the reasons why he decided to sign for Liverpool ahead of other top European clubs.

The Reds confirmed this morning that they have agreed a deal to sign the 17-year-old on a long-term contract.

PSV Eindhoven and Bayern Munich were also reportedly in for the centre-back but van den Berg revealed that Liverpool’s track record of bringing youngsters into the first team made it an easy decision:

“It’s just an amazing feeling. It is, for me, the biggest club in the world and it’s a dream come true. I am really excited.”

“I’ve seen what kind of players from the Academy grew into the first team here. It is unbelievable, especially when this kind of big club does that.”

“Of course, the trainer [Jurgen Klopp] is a great guy and one of the reasons they are successful – and also one of the reasons I came here. I think this is the best place for me to grow and hopefully play a lot of games here.”

Liverpool will pay an initial €1.9m (£1.7m) for the defender, with a number of add-ons depending on appearances.

Van den Berg made 15 appearances for Zwolle last season and is capable of playing both as a centre-back and right-back.

He has been capped by the Netherlands at Under 19 level, with many expecting him to make the jump to the senior side in the future.

Liverpool’s recruitment team believe van den Berg has everything to make it at the highest level, and Reds fans will be keen to see the player in action.