THE HAGUE, June 27 -- Champions League winners Liverpool have attracted Dutch defending prospect Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle, both clubs announced on Thursday.
The 17-year-old defender finalized terms on a long-term contract with the Reds after an agreement was reached with the Eredivisie club on a transfer fee of around 2 million euros (2.3 million U.S. dollars), which could rise to 7 million euros including bonuses.
Van den Berg made his debut for PEC Zwolle at the age of 16 and played 15 matches in the Dutch top flight last season. He is a regular in the Dutch U-19 team. Dutch top club PSV and German giants Bayern Munich also had interest in signing Van den Berg.
In Liverpool, Van de Berg will train with compatriots Georginio Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk.
"I am really excited," Van den Berg said on the website of Liverpool. "I think this is the best place for me to grow and I hope to play a lot of games here."