Jürgen Klopp already approved first Arne Slot transfer target as Liverpool 'leads the race'

Liverpool did an excellent job of revitalizing its midfield last summer. But Arne Slot could be set to make further reinforcements in the middle of the park, and one target comes with the blessing of Jürgen Klopp.

After months of it being an open secret, Slot has been confirmed as the successor to Klopp, and he will inevitably have a view on the existing squad. Managers often love working with players with whom they have worked previously, and the Dutchman may wish to target men who fit that bill for him — although he will be working in a wider recruitment structure, with the returning Michael Edwards appointing Richard Hughes as sporting director.

Liverpool is being linked with a move for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, and this is far from the first time that this story has done the rounds. But where Klopp was not enough of a draw for the 26-year-old, Slot might be.

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It was reported in March that Koopmeiners was likely to snub a move to Liverpool due to a desire to stay in Italy. According to Corriere dello Sport, the player was not interested in joining the Reds as he wanted to join Juventus, but it was noted Klopp had a long-standing interest in the player.

But fast forward to now and the picture may have changed. According to Caught Offside, citing reports in Italy, Liverpool now 'leads the race' for Koopmeiners.

That's partly because Juventus might be getting priced out of a move, but Liverpool holds another potential advantage. Slot worked with Koopmeiners at AZ Alkmaar; per Transfermarkt, the Atalanta man is the 13th-most-used player of Slot’s managerial career. If anyone knows his strengths and how they might aid the Reds, it is him.

Not that the next Liverpool manager is alone there, of course, as there is a very strong Dutch flavor at Anfield these days. Koopmeiners has represented Netherlands 21 times and has played alongside Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk at points in those matches.

The Mirror has claimed the Reds may have an edge in the race for Koopmeiners in the summer thanks to Slot. And given Klopp's previous interest, it seems the outgoing manager would approve of his arrival at Anfield to regenerate the midfield.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool now has first-hand experience of Koopmeiners' ability, as he played against them twice in the Europa League this season. That doesn't mean the Reds definitely want to sign him, of course, but if a player who Klopp likes and has worked with Slot is on the market, then it's easy to see how they could be interested. Watch this space.

A version of this story was first published on April 29. It has been updated to reflect the latest transfer reports.