Liverpool are “preparing to launch” a “bold” offer for Atalanta and Netherlands midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, according to a new transfer claim.
The Reds’ midfield arguably looks as strong as it has done in years, with so much depth and ability littered throughout Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Last summer’s rebuild in the middle of the park has made a huge difference, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch helping Liverpool top the Premier League table by five points.
The Merseysiders cannot afford to rest on their laurels moving forward, however, and with Thiago out of contract at the end of the season, some new faces could be required.
According to a fresh update from Tutto Atalanta [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are “preparing to launch” what is described as a “bold” bid for Teun Koopmeiners, who has become a stalwart for Atalanta.
The amount of money being mooted is €46.7m (£40m), with Serie A duo Juventus and Napoli also believed to be interested in snapping up the 25-year-old.
It looks as though a summer transfer is in the offing, rather than him moving to Anfield this month, unless a “sensationally higher offer” of €60-65m (£51.3-55.6m) is tabled.
Our thoughts on Liverpool signing Koopmeiners this summer…
Koopmeiners could be a really strong signing by the Reds at the end of the season, adding the class needed to make up for the loss of Thiago, who will surely depart on a free transfer instead of extending his stay, given his injury problems.
The Atalanta ace could be seen as a younger alternative to the Spaniard, coming in as someone who can play across various midfield positions, whether that be in the No.6 role or as more of a box-to-box No.8.
Koopmeiners has now made 104 appearances for his current club, registering 33 goal contributions (21 goals and 12 assists) in that time, and he is also a 20-cap Netherlands international, showing that he is an important figure at international level.
Granted, it wouldn’t be easy for Klopp to promise the Dutchman guaranteed starts, considering the options at his disposal, but having a player of his calibre around can only be a good thing.
