Liverpool is 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 is 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.
Is Liverpool a long-term target?
Liverpool’s interest in Koopmeiners would not come as a surprise. The Reds were connected with the Netherlands star following Gini Wijnaldum’s departure in 2021.
However, it’s unlikely to be a link that gets fans excited. Some have expressed alarm about Lijnders’ growing power at Anfield, and this is undoubtedly more proof of that.
That should not detract from the quality of Koopmeiners. He’s a fantastic player who can also fill in at center-back.
Wout Weghorst’s beautifully produced equalizer against Argentina at the World Cup in December was set up by him, who is best recognized for his ability to strike a ball so brilliantly.
Koopmeiners’ pass startled Lionel Messi and co. by slipping Weghorst in with a beautiful through-ball, sending the quarter-final to penalties.
The Atalanta man was never going to miss there. Despite Argentine goalie Emi Martinez’s unsporting behavior, Koopmeiners sank his penalty kick with ease. He’s a bit of a specialist, having scored 33 of 39 penalties in his short career.
It will be interesting to see whether Liverpool pursues Koopmeiners further. Despite his relative pedigree, it’s difficult to picture him commanding a high fee.
As a result, he could be a wise signing for the Reds this winter.
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