Sheffield Wednesday and Liverpool transfer exits confirmed for ex-Preston North End duo as £25m deal completed
Former PNE duo both on the move in the summer transfer window
Former Preston North End defenders Sepp van den Berg and Bambo Diaby have both moved clubs.
The former has left Liverpool, whom he joined from PEC Zwolle in 2019. It’s Brentford who have won the race for the Dutchman, who was linked with a move to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. The Bees have reportedly signed van den Berg, in a deal worth up to £25million. He has put pen-to-paper on a five-year contract, with the Reds inserting a 17.5% sell-on clause.
Manager Thomas Frank said: "Sepp is a centre-back with a good level and he has the potential to develop even further. He fits our culture and the way we want to play - he is quick, he reads the game well and is composed on the ball in the build-up and in the decisive defending actions. Sepp is a great character, and I am convinced that he will fit in well with the group and help us to push forward."
Meanwhile, Diaby has departed Sheffield Wednesday after one year with the Owls. He has returned to Spain, to sign for Segunda Division side Elche - our colleagues at the Star report that the 26-year-old has moved for a six-figure fee. Diaby made 36 appearances for Wednesday, in all competitions. The defender started his career in Spain.
The Senegal-born centre-back earned a two-year deal at Deepdale, following a trial in 2021/22. He scored one goal in 25 outings for the club, with a move to Hillsborough going through in the summer of 2023 - for an undisclosed fee. As for van den Berg, the youngster was a huge hit on loan from Liverpool - between February 2021 and May 2022. He scored two goals in 65 appearances for PNE.