Liverpool’s anticipated transfer offer for Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners has not yet ‘arrived’, as Juventus now push ahead in the battle to land the midfielder.
According to sources, a transfer offer for Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has yet to emerge from Liverpool. Juventus, the Serie A heavyweights, are currently the frontrunners to recruit the Dutch international this summer.
The 26-year-old midfielder impressed in knocking the Reds out of the Europa League last season, before Gian Piero Gasperini’s side won the title, defeating Xabi Alonso’s excellent Bayer Leverkusen club in the final.
Last summer, Liverpool made significant investments in the midfield, signing Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo. However, because Endo is the only defensive midfielder in the squad, additional recruits are required at this position.
Koopmeiners was widely believed to be a priority target for new manager Arne Slot before of the club’s first transfer window, but these links have since faded. According to Italian source Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus’ optimism in a deal for the midfielder is growing.
Atalanta was apparently expecting huge offers from the Premier League, but they did not arrive, opening the way for Koopmeiners to switch sides in Italian football’s top division. The player himself remarked on his future earlier this year, admitting that an exit would be preferable and England was an option. “I have informed Atalanta that I intend to make a move next summer. But there has to be something extremely wonderful in exchange for Atalanta,” he told De Telegraaf in March.
“My girlfriend and I are having a great time in Italy, but I am willing to put up with the rain for some clubs in England!”I’m hoping there will be some wonderful options to consider. And then I hope Atalanta receives a decent sum for me, because I had a great time there.”
The estimated fee is around $43 million (£34 million/€40 million), and The Old Lady now appears to be moving forward with the transfer, having already signed former Liverpool target Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa. Juventus parted ways with Samuel Iling Junior and Enzo Barranrchea, as well as a transfer price of around $21 million (£16 million or €20 million).
According to Liverpool.com, Slot appears to be targeting other parts of his new squad for the remainder of the transfer window, while maybe relying on Stefan Bajcetic’s talents in the defensive midfield role next season. As Mohamed Salah approaches the end of his contract in red, the Liverpool manager will most likely prioritize a left-footed centre-back, as well as attacking reinforcements on the right wing.
