Liverpool are beginning to ramp up their plans for Arne Slot’s first transfer window in charge.
Slot is set to follow Jurgen Klopp as the Reds new manager, with only an official announcement now waiting.
Once the Dutchman is in situ, focus will turn to what Liverpool can do in the market. A couple of positions are already said to be at the top of the Reds’ list. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a centre-back will be targeted, while David Ornstein says a wide forward is also on the agenda.
As well as those two positions though, you’d imagine that Liverpool may also be looking at bolstering their midfield again.
With Wataru Endo seemingly up for sale, defensive midfield is certainly an area that should be addressed. And with that in mind, Liverpool are said to be targeting a player who impressed against them recently.
Liverpool impressed by Teun Koopmeiners
Aside from Endo, Liverpool’s midfield isn’t in bad shape really. Thiago Alcantara will leave but after playing just five minutes all season, he’ll hardly need replacing.
Ryan Gravenberch has been rumoured to be a target for Turkish sides, but it seems more likely that the Dutchman will stay under his compatriot.
So, if Liverpool do add to their squad, it should be a more defensive minded midfielder.
There are a number of players being linked with filling out such a role, but perhaps the strongest rumours have come with regards to Teun Koopmeiners. Although Koopmeiners isn’t a natural No.6, you could see the Atalanta man doing that job. He’s an all-rounder.
The latest report linking Liverpool with Koopmeiners comes from Italian site Quatidiano Sportivo. They claim that after following the 26-year-old ‘for some time,’ the Reds were ‘impressed’ with his displays during last month’s Europa League quarter-final.
As a result, Liverpool are said to be ready to make a move for Koopmeiners. Juventus are reportedly in the mix too, although Liverpool’s greater financial muscle is claimed to have put them in the driving seat. Atalanta will reportedly be looking for at least £51m to sell their star midfielder.
How good was Koopmeiners vs Liverpool
There had been plenty of hype already about Koopmeiners before Liverpool took on Atalanta. After the Italian side comfortably dumped the Reds out, it was easy to see why.
Although he didn’t manage a goal contribution across the two games, Koopmeiners stood out as one of his team’s best players.
He didn’t look at all fazed by playing at Anfield, instead he rose to the occasion, strutting about and controlling proceedings.
Koopmeiners should maybe have scored during the first-leg having been presented with a one-on-one against Caoimhin Kelleher. But other than fluffing his lines there it was an accomplished showing.
In our opinion the Netherlands international isn’t quite what Liverpool need at this moment and his price-tag is a little high, too. But having been Arne Slot’s former captain at AZ Alkmaar, he could be one to watch.
