Liverpool reportedly switch their attention to an alternative midfielder having been rejected by Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool have reportedly requested to be kept informed over the situation involving Atalanta BC midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
Recently-appointed head coach Arne Slot has enjoyed a productive pre-season with his new club, avoiding defeat in their five friendlies ahead of 2024-25.
However, the Dutchman is yet to add a fresh face to his squad, something that is expected to change in due course with the Merseyside giants in the market for a new centre-back and central midfielder.
With regards to the latter, it has been well-documented in recent days that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was at the top of their shortlist.
Although there was initially optimism that the Spain international would make the switch to Anfield, the Euro 2024 winner informed Liverpool on Monday that he would be staying at his boyhood club.
© Reuters
Koopmeiners becomes new priority?
While a situation could materialise where Liverpool do not sign a new central midfielder and instead place faith in youngster Stefan Bajcetic, the funds are available to push ahead with an acquisition should they choose to do so.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool have made it clear that they hold an interest in bringing in Koopmeiners before the end of the summer transfer window.
Widespread reports have indicated that the Netherlands international is keen to take on a new challenge having spent the last three years at Atalanta.
During that time, he has contributed 29 goals and 15 assists from 129 appearances, as well as helping the Italian outfit win the 2023-24 Europa League.
Despite that success, the 26-year-old’s time in Bergamo appears likely to end on a negative note with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini having publicly revealed that one of his star men has been refusing to train because he wants to join Juventus.
A switch to Turin could plausibly happen in due course, yet only if their Serie A rivals are able to commit to a deal worth in excess of €50m (£42.67m).
As it stands, that remains in some doubt, with the respective parties said to be in negotiations over a transfer with Liverpool waiting in the wings.
© Reuters
Is Koopmeiners the right man for Liverpool?
Koopmeiners setting his sights on a specific club should perhaps be a red flag for Liverpool, while he is also not necessarily the midfield enforcer that they would prefer to add to their engine room.
There is no doubt that it would represent a statement signing should it materialise, but Slot already has plenty of similar players at his disposal.
That said, the report adds that Slot is a “huge” admirer of Koopmeiners, seemingly making such a deal a realistic possibility if Juventus cannot meet Atalanta’s demands.