Afghanistan
Angola
Argentina
Asia (AFC)
Asian Games
Australia
Belgium-Netherlands
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Central American & Caribbean Games
Central American Games
Congo DR
Denmark
England
Europe (UEFA)
FYR Macedonia
Finland
Germany
Greece
International Tournaments
Italy
Mediterranean Games
Mexico
National
Nepal
North & Central America (Concacaf)
Palestine
Pan American Games
Panama
Russia
Scandinavia
Serbia And Montenegro
South American Games
Spain
Syria
USA
Venezuela
World (FIFA)
Yemen
Zimbabwe

Liverpool 'handed boost' in midfielder chase as rivals put plans on ice

sportsmole.co.uk, 2 June 2024, 14:26
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.

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?

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.

Top News

10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes fell just short of matching a Red Devils milestone achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo in Sunday's 3-0 Premier League win over Leicester City. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had no good news to share when asked for an update on the conditions of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka following Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has talked up his side's achievement of reaching the November international break sitting only behind Liverpool and Manchester City. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk A stunning hit from Pedro Neto cancelled out Gabriel Martinelli's opener as London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal played out a 1-1 Premier League draw at Stamford Bridge. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Ruud van Nistelrooy has branded his time in charge of Manchester United "a short but amazing period", with the Dutchman going unbeaten during his four games at the helm. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Roma have confirmed that head coach Ivan Juric has been relieved of his duties after a dismal 12-match reign. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has taken the blame for his team's shock home defeat to struggling Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has explained Alejandro Garnacho's low-key celebration after the Argentina international scored in Sunday's 3-0 win over Leicester City at Old Trafford. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk A dogged Ipswich Town finally earned their first Premier League win of the season at the 11th attempt as they stunned Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in North London. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Ruud van Nistelrooy signed off as interim Manchester United manager with a 3-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, with the Dutchman now handing over the reigns to Ruben Amorim. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Cole Palmer has been passed fit to start for Chelsea in their Premier League London derby with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Charlton Athletic and Bromley will go head-to-head in the 2024-25 EFL Trophy on Tuesday, with the hosts hoping to maintain their perfect start to the competition. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United may reportedly look to secure a loan deal for a new striker during the January transfer window. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo has overcome a knock to be included in the Red Devils XI for Sunday's Premier League clash with Leicester City at Old Trafford. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United and Arsenal have seemingly been handed a boost regarding the potential availability of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk At the JobServe Community Stadium on Tuesday evening, Colchester United and Arsenal Under-21s both know that avoiding defeat could be enough to seal their place in the EFL Trophy knockout rounds. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among the clubs who have identified an English youngster as a potential transfer target. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Locked together on two points in Southern section Group E of the EFL Trophy, MK Dons and Leyton Orient have it all to play for in Tuesday's encounter at Stadium mk. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Needing points to aid their hopes of reaching the EFL Trophy's knockout phase, Notts County will meet Leicester City Under-21s on Tuesday. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Both vying for one place in the EFL Trophy knockouts, Lincoln City and Manchester City Under-21s will square off at the LNER Stadium in Tuesday's Northern section Group G showdown. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Doing battle in an EFL Trophy dead rubber, Chesterfield and Grimsby Town square off at the SMH Group Stadium on Tuesday evening in Northern section Group G. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Sporting Lisbon youngster Geovany Quenda is reportedly expected to remain with his Portuguese club for at least one more season despite suggestions that he could move to the Premier League next summer. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Needing just a point to book their place in the knockout rounds, Northampton Town return to EFL Trophy action on Tuesday, when they welcome Burton Albion to Sixfields. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal are reportedly 'serious' about signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon, with the Gunners set to battle Manchester United for the centre-back's signature during next summer's transfer window. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly desperate for the Red Devils to win the race for Rosenborg teenager Sverre Nypan during next summer's transfer window. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk With all eyes fixed on the January transfer market, clubs around the UK and Europe are already lining up potential mid-season moves. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Goztepe SK vs. Konyaspor (Sunday, 10.30am) Two sides separated by a single point in the middle of the Turkish Super Lig table will do battle at the Gursel Aksel Stadium on Sunday, as Goztepe SK welcome Konyaspor. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Estrela Amadora vs. Nacional (Sunday, 3.30pm) Two sides struggling at the bottom of the Primeira Liga table are set to come together on Sunday afternoon when Estrela Amadora host Nacional at Estadio Jose Gomes. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Almere City vs. Feyenoord (Sunday, 11.15am) Feyenoord make the trip to Almere City on Sunday aware that only a win will do if they want to stay competitive in the title race. 10 November 2024 sportsmole.co.uk Betis vs. Celta Vigo (Sunday, 1.00pm) Aiming to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to seven matches, Real Betis will welcome Celta Vigo to Estadio Benito Villamarin for a La Liga clash on Sunday afternoon.