Liverpool are scouting Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners with a view to signing the midfielder.
That’s according to The i, who claim that the Reds have been watching the 24-year-old over ‘recent months.’
A move for Koopmeiners could reportedly demonstrate the ‘increasing influence’ of assistant manager Pep Lijnders. Having already brought in fellow Dutchman Cody Gakpo this month, Liverpool are going Dutch.
Koopmeiners is now into his second season in Italy, having come through the academy at AZ Alkmaar. Since making his international debut in 2020, the midfielder has gone on to win 15 caps.
Liverpool back in for long-term target?
Liverpool’s interest in Koopmeiners wouldn’t exactly be a bolt from the blue. The Reds were linked with the Netherlands star in the wake of Gini Wijnaldum’s exit in 2021.
However, it perhaps won’t be a link that will raise pulses amongst fans. Some have expressed concern over Lijnders’ growing influence at Anfield, and this is surely more evidence of that.
That shouldn’t take away from the quality of Koopmeiners though. He’s an excellent player who’s also capable of filling in at centre-back.
Best known for his ability to strike a ball so well, it was he who set-up Wout Weghorst’s wonderfully crafted equaliser against Argentina at the World Cup in December.
Slipping Weghorst in with a cute through-ball, Koopmeiners pass stunned Lionel Messi and co to send the quarter-final to penalties.
There, the Atalanta man was never going to miss. Despite the unsporting behaviour of Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez, Koopmeiners buried his spot-kick with ease. Having scored 33 of 39 penalties in his young career to date, he’s something of a specialist.
It will be fascinating to see whether Liverpool end up pursuing Koopmeiners any further. Despite his relative pedigree, it’s hard to see him costing a huge fee.
As a result, perhaps he’d be a smart little signing for the Reds this winter.
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