Liverpool have apparently received a boost in their pursuit of a highly-rated midfield target, as one of his fellow suitors have hit the pause button on their pursuit.
One of Arne Slot's first tasks at Anfield is expected to be the pursuit of a new fulcrum, and Atalanta BC's Teun Koopmeiners could fit the bill to a tee.
The Netherlands international excelled in an advanced role for La Dea in 2023-24, contributing 15 goals and seven assists from 50 games as Gian Piero Gasperini's men won the Europa League.
Koopmeiners completed the full 90 minutes as Atalanta bested hitherto unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final, and he will be a part of the Netherlands' squad for Euro 2024.
Despite his successful exploits as a number 10, Koopmeiners is a versatile midfielder capable of doing a competent job in a box-to-box or holding role, qualities that make him an attractive proposition for suitors.
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Juventus 'delay Koopmeiners pursuit'
The 26-year-old has already talked up the possibility of leaving Atalanta this summer, but a fee of £51m may be required for a player who still has three years left to run on his contract.
As a result, Fabrizio Romano - via his Daily Briefing - has stated that Juventus, another side interested in acquiring Koopmeiners, have halted their plans to make a move for the time being.
The Bianconeri could wave goodbye to all of Adrien Rabiot, Weston McKennie and the banned Paul Pogba in the coming weeks, and they supposedly want to make sales before prioritising new arrivals.
While incoming Juventus coach Thiago Motta is a huge fan of Koopmeiners, new Liverpool boss Slot has already worked with his compatriot during their time together at AZ Alkmaar, whom the midfielder played for between 2009 and 2021.
Koopmeiners has since registered 29 goals and 15 assists in 128 matches for Atalanta across all competitions, and both Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with a summer move for the Dutchman.
Where could Koopmeiners fit in at Liverpool?
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With Koopmeiners earning his keep in several midfield positions, his adaptability naturally begs the question, how could Liverpool line up with the Dutchman in the ranks?
The 26-year-old started out as a more defensive midfielder before transitioning to his attacking role, but he is still a capable number six and would likely slot into such a position at Anfield.
As a result, Wataru Endo would have to accept a more peripheral role next season, and Koopmeiners's presence would allow Alexis Mac Allister to start further forward on a regular basis.
Of course, Koopmeiners could also be signed with the intention of challenging Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Harvey Elliott for the number eight slots, although that scenario is unlikely.
Liverpool did not play with a traditional number 10 under Jurgen Klopp and should not do so under Slot - who also favours a 4-3-3 - so Koopmeiners can expect to hold the fort in the holding role if he does make the move to Anfield.
Ben Knapton
