Liverpool has been connected with a move for Teun Koopmeiners in recent weeks, and a new update on the club’s pursuit of the player during the January transfer window has emerged.
Liverpool has made touch with the Atalanta midfielder’s representatives, according to Tutto Atalanta, and is interested in signing him in 2023.
According to the source, Jurgen Klopp is a great fan of Koopmeiners, and it is estimated that Julian Ward and company would only need €40 million (£35 million) to clinch his signature.
He has the potential to save Liverpool’s season.
There is no doubt that Liverpool is in desperate need of reinforcements after a poor season at Anfield, with the midfield in particular proving an urgent concern.
Liverpool currently sixth in the Premier League after an inconsistent run of performances was knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Manchester City, and last night were subjected to an FA Cup replay due to a dramatic third-round clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers ending at 2-2.
Not only do the Reds need rapid improvements, but they are also in a position where they are set to lose at least three of their midfielders in the summer with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner set to be out of contract.
As a result, signing Koopmeiners this month might save Liverpool’s season, with the addition of a world-class center player no doubt needed at Anfield given their lack of depth and talent in that part of the field.
Over the last year, the brilliant 24-year-old ranks quite well in comparison to his positional counterparts in Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 20% for shots on goal and shot-creating actions, indicating he is a rather influential player in the final third.
Furthermore, he is also in the top 20% for touches and progressive passes received.
Over 16 Serie A appearances, the Dutchman – who was dubbed an “elite” talent by scout Jacek Kulig – has scored four goals, registered two assists, and created three big chances.
On top of that, he has averaged 1.7 key passes, 1.5 tackles, 1.4 clearances, and won 3.8 duels per game, proving he is both an attacking threat and defensively sound.
For context, of everyone in Liverpool’s squad to have started more than twice, only Mo Salah, Andy Robertson, and Trent Alexander-Arnold can trump him for key passes per match.
That being said, signing Koopmeiners would be a terrific piece of business for Liverpool ahead of the second half of the season. It would provide the seismic lift that the current squad requires in the center of the field as they seek to finally save their campaign.
