Teun Koopmeiners transfer comments speak volumes as Arne Slot 'eyes $59m reunion' at Liverpool
It’s full steam ahead for Liverpool and Arne Slot. The Feyenoord boss looks set to succeed Jürgen Klopp when the German leaves this summer.
It looks to be a matter of when, not if, Slot’s appointment is confirmed. A deal is expected to be finalized soon, with the 45-year-old becoming the club’s new head coach.
Of course, with a new boss arriving in time for the summer transfer window, thoughts are beginning to turn to who Slot might bring with him to Anfield. One familiar face, for both the Dutchman and Liverpool, could prove to be an option.
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The Reds will know all about Teun Koopmeiners already. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Merseyside a number of times over the years, and Klopp’s side got a first-hand view of just what he can do when Atalanta dumped Liverpool out of the Europa League.
According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Liverpool is looking to beat Juventus to his signature this summer in what could be a $59m (£47m/€55m) deal. It would see Koopmeiners reunited with Slot, having played under him at AZ Alkmaar.
And should Slot fancy a move for his former captain, Koopmeiners might not need too much convincing. The 26-year-old has already outlined his desire to leave Atalanta this summer, and a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.
“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 last month.
“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: Despite Liverpool’s midfield rebuild last summer, signing someone like Koopmeiners shouldn’t be automatically rejected. Based on recent performances, the Reds’ engine room might still not be the finished article, and plenty of fans will have liked what they saw from Atalanta.
It all comes down to whether Koopmeiners would fit into Slot’s plans. Given the defense looks to be the immediate priority, and the front line might need strengthening, it might just be the wrong time for Koopmeiners to be available.
