Liverpool, who are nearing the appointment of manager Arne Slot, are also building a new squad and are selecting targets to target in this summer’s transfer window.
Centre-backs and wingers are said to be key reinforcements, with the media reporting interest in a wide variety of players.
The name of Atalanta’s Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has also made the headlines on numerous occasions. Furthermore, the two had a player-manager relationship during their time at AZ Alkmaar, which has further fuelled the transfer speculation.
However, Ben Jacobs, a sports journalist, has denied the rumours and stated that Liverpool have not even listed the player. He also said that the recruitment process involves the sporting director and others, so Slot’s opinion will not be fully adopted.
“Understand Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners is not currently on Liverpool’s radar despite links. Koopmeiners played under Slot at AZ.”
“Slot will inherit a summer plan, and naturally be an important voice, but he hasn’t started yet let alone pushed for players, and won’t have recruitment autonomy.”
“Liverpool’s recruitment model works collaboratively. Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards, Barry Hunter and Dave Fallows will lead summer plans meaning Slot’s arrival won’t dramatically alter targets.”
Understand Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners is not currently on Liverpool's radar despite links. Koopmeiners played under Slot at AZ.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) May 3, 2024
Slot will inherit a summer plan, and naturally be an important voice, but he hasn't started yet let alone pushed for players, and won't have… pic.twitter.com/OV94FoGx2F
Liverpool strengthened their midfielders last summer, and it is hard to see a future in which they strengthen their midfield for the second year in a row.
Nevertheless, with Thiago Alcantara leaving the team at the end of his contract and looking battered in the second half of the season, it would seem a good idea to add another piece to the squad.
Apart from the Dutch midfielder, there have been reports linking him with several other midfielders, so it’s hard to say who would be the whitewash if we were to acquire him, but…?