Atalanta shocked Bayer Leverkusen by ending the German side’s unbeaten run in the Europa League final. But while Ademola Lookman stole the headlines, Liverpool fans had their eyes on another player.

Lookman’s sensational hat-trick saw Atalanta win its first-ever European trophy in Dublin on Wednesday. In the process, the Italian side also ended Xabi Alonso’s dreams of winning a remarkable unbeaten treble in his first full season in charge of Leverkusen.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side completed their triumph having knocked Liverpool out of the competition in the quarter-finals. One man in particular caught supporters’ eyes at Anfield, and he was once again attracting interest in the final.

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Teun Koopmeiners has been linked with a move to Liverpool a number of times over recent years. Recent reports from Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport have touted the Reds for a move again this summer, although Juventus is also said to be in the mix.

There is an added factor to the rumors that is unique to this summer though. Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, worked with Koopmeiners previously at AZ Alkmaar, which will no doubt add more fuel to the speculation.

And as he helped Atalanta to victory in Dublin, Liverpool fans were quick to send messages imploring the club to sign the 26-year-old.

A transfer looks likely for Koopmeiners this summer following his comments earlier in the year. The midfielder is seemingly eyeing up a move away from Atalanta, and has earmarked the Premier League as a possible destination.

“I have indicated to Atalanta that I want to make a move next summer. But there must be something very nice to exchange that for Atalanta,” he told De Telegraaf in March.

“My girlfriend and I are having a great time in Italy, but I can put up with the rain for some clubs in England!

“I hope there will be great options that I can think about. And then I hope that Atalanta receives a nice amount for me, because I had a wonderful time there.”

He added: “I would be lying if I said that I did not hear the rumored interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs. Of course I read that too or get it forwarded to me.”

Liverpool.com says: No doubt we’ll be seeing more rumors linking Koopmeiners to Liverpool this summer. He has been impressive in Atalanta’s run to the Europa League trophy this season, and the Reds got a first-hand view of what he can do at Anfield.

He does play in a position where Liverpool are pretty well-stocked though. If the Reds are to get another midfielder, it would make more sense to target a number six.

Koopmeiners is versatile and could potentially play there, but he is more accustomed to a role further forward. Slot knows him well though, so we’ll wait and see whether a reunion could be on the cards.