CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has now shared an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, during which he claims the player won’t be joining the Reds in January.
Speaking on ‘The Done Deal Show’ on The Football Terrace’s YouTube channel, the reporter claimed it is extremely unlikely that the 24-year-old will make the move to Anfield this month.
However, he suggested that it doesn’t mean that a transfer won’t happen in the future.
“Liverpool do need a midfielder, but they’re not just going to move for the sake of it and there is a balance between what they can get now in January versus the summer,” Jacobs said.
“I think what has fuelled this is that from what I understand, the player himself has said that the link with Liverpool is ‘nice to see’, although he added that he’s 100% focused with Atalanta. A player can be flattered and fuel something, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s leading to something imminently.
“So, what we know, or certainly I know from talking to sources, is that the 24-year-old has been scouted before the World Cup and that maybe with a view to an escalated winter move, but the original scouting was an option for the summer.
“So, I think that the chances of getting him to Anfield are going to be relatively slim and that’s because at the Atalanta end, they’re quite categorical both on and off record through a variety of different sources in saying that a mid-season sale is off the table.
“Right now, there’s nothing concrete on the Liverpool side and I would be staggered if he moves in January, because Atalanta are pretty firm in their position.
“In this case, yes, Liverpool have watched the player, but they haven’t made an approach, they haven’t made an offer, and Atlanta say very clearly that there will be no January move.
“So, other than the player himself somewhat fuelling this, I don’t think that there’s any possibility of movement in January and then in the summer, we wait and see because Liverpool have got a variety of options.”
Koopmeiners won’t be joining Liverpool in January
Liverpool are in a desperate need to add midfield additions to Jurgen Klopp’s squad this month.
Whilst the likes of Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes have been touted for the summer, the club’s attention has turned to players they can get over the line before the transfer deadline passes.
Having already been linked with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Benfica’s Enzo Fernandez, it now seems like the Reds have suffered another blow in their midfield pursuit.
According to Gazzetto Dello Sport, Atalanta would sell the Netherlands international for £35m. However, it appears that doesn’t apply this month, as the player remains off the table.
Hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former Atalanta player Domenicao Progna, Koopmeiners would have been a strong start to Liverpool’s midfield overhaul.
However, this transfer looks to be nothing more than rumours – until the summer window opens anyway.
In the mean-time, the Reds need to look elsewhere to bring in a new midfield addition.
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