After leaving AZ Alkmaar, where he spent the summer of 2021 from the academy, 25-year-old midfielderTeun Koopmeiners joined Atalanta in Italy. He has scored 23 goals and assisted 12 times in 106 games for the club, and has also represented the Netherlands in 20 matches.
Rumors abound that Liverpool, who strengthened their midfield last summer, are continuing to show interest in the former AZ midfielder, who is steadily improving his reputation. It is also reported that Manchester United, also in the Premier League, is also keeping an eye on the player.
However, the Dutch midfielder is not open to a move abroad. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, he would like to move to Serie A, despite the heat from England, and is prioritizing strong domestic clubs.
Japan midfielder Wataru Endo and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister play important roles at the bottom of midfield, and 19-year-old midfielder Stefan Bajcetic will return next season after an injury-plagued season.
Liverpool is unlikely to make a move for more defensive midfielders at this point, but that could all change depending on the new coach.
In addition, Rafael van der Vaart, a former member of the Dutch national team who has also played for Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, has spoken about the importance of playing for Atalanta, not only as a step up.
“I would stay if I were Koopmeiners.”
“As a player, you always want more, but when I look at him and his qualities, and what I think he is, I think he is in the right place now.”
“Of course, he will go and make a step, but I think this is it. Atalanta are a beautiful club, so it is certainly not an insult.”
“It is better to be the big man at a slightly smaller club than ‘one of the’ at a bigger club.”
“I think he is doing very well now because he is an important player.”
Ziggo Sport