It was widely acknowledged that Liverpool needed at least two more midfielders and a new centre back as the summer transfer window approached.
Sure, losses from the team might increase that wishlist, especially if Caoimhin Kelleher looks to go. Although some could argue that a new senior right-back or right-sided forward might be necessary, the aforementioned four-man starting point remained the essential bare minimum and the top priority.
Within two weeks of the Premier League season’s conclusion, Liverpool got to work and acquired Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion for perhaps in the neighbourhood of £35 million. At the beginning of July, they would then purchase Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig after exercising his £60 million release clause.
Such moves appeared to indicate that Jurgen Klopp will remain with the Reds’ new 3-2-2-3 shape in 2023–24, with Trent Alexander-Arnold pushing forward into central midfield as an inverted full-back in such a formation. Following the addition of two midfielders, the demand for a third center-back, namely on the left, increased, with Liverpool apparently making inquiries about Chelsea’s Levi Colwill.
In the interim, Southampton’s Romeo Lavia was mentioned as a potential long-term successor for Fabinho, and the Reds continued to be open to the idea of adding another new midfielder, although one who was more defensively inclined. However, the Brazilian later attracted Saudi Arabia’s attention, which once more altered Liverpool’s landscape.
It was determined that Fabinho will miss the Reds’ 10-day training camp in Germany after Al Ittihad made a £40 million offer. Even though a contract has not yet been reached, an exit does seem more plausible.
As a result, Liverpool are now in need for an replacement capable of going straight into their starting XI, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat all touted as possible signings along with Lavia. Yet, for a variety of reasons, none of the quintet are obvious favoured replacements for Fabinho.
Be it an older head or one still young and raw, a lack of Premier League experience, an inflated price-tag, or question marks over availability and fee, a move for any of the five could prove problematic. But there is one rumoured Reds target who could be an ideal solution as a new holding midfielder, while also even offering cover as Liverpool’s left-sided centre-back.
iNews claimed in January that Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is a fan and that the club has been keeping tabs on Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners recently.
The Dutch international acknowledged that he was flattered at the moment by such rumours. At the time, he was reported as stating, “I saw the links and stories about Liverpool.” Although it’s nice to see, I’m totally focused on Atalanta and am overjoyed to be playing here.
Atalanta’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Tony D’Amico, the club’s sporting director, both ruled out the midfielder leaving the team in January.
Gasperini reiterated that “Koopmeiners won’t go in January,” and D’Amico stated to Sky Sport Italia that “there is nothing concrete with Liverpool. Despite the fact that Koopmeiners is an Atalanta player and will continue to be one, we are flattered by the interest since it indicates that we have quality players.
However, January has passed. The rumours persisted during the second part of the previous campaign, with Italian publications stating as recently as May that the Reds were interested in the Dutchman and that the Serie A club would ask for about £35 million.
Admittedly, speculation has quietened since the end of the season, but Liverpool’s reported interest in Koopmeiners pre-dates 2023. The Reds were also linked with the left-footer back in 2021 when it became clear that Gini Wijnaldum would leave Anfield at the end of his contract.
Then on the books of AZ Alkmaar, where he was club captain despite his tender years, Koopmeiners was touted as a potential replacement for his compatriot, only to join Atalanta that August in a €12m deal.
Koopmeiners, who recently impressed for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, caught the imagination of supporters two years ago courtesy of enjoying 16 and 17-goal seasons (and also recording 10 assists over the two campaigns) for AZ.
But dig deeper, and you’ll discover that the bulk of these strikes are the result of penalties, free throws, and corners. He primarily plays as a number eight or a number six, but he is equally at ease playing at centre back if necessary. He is still a goal threat and capable of playing as an attacking midfielder.
It makes sense why he may appeal to Liverpool given his excellent work ethic and strong ball skills. The 25-year-old, a seasoned leader at AZ, is still young enough to improve and has his prime years ahead of him. Like January signing Cody Gakpo, he speaks English fluently and enjoys good rapport with both the attacker and Virgil van Dijk at Anfield. Who better to assist the club’s due diligence if there is interest.
His versatility ensures he would also be comfortable in both the Reds’ new 3-2-2-3 formation or their traditional 4-3-3 set-up, capable of playing either defensive or advanced midfield roles in either system, as well as being an option at centre-back.
Last season, his game-time would be split between the three main midfield roles as he returned 10 goals and four assists from 33 Serie A appearances and was one of the star players in Italy. But with Atalanta predominantly playing variations of 3-4-3, he is well-suited to Liverpool’s new system as a result.
At least on paper, he would fit gaps in the Reds’ team and tick off necessary boxes. He’s only entering his prime, so a £35 million price tag is reasonable, and he also fits the club’s ideal profile for new acquisitions.
While doing so, he would at least have the chance to accomplish two goals at once by giving Liverpool a new starting holding midfielder who can also play left-sided centre back when necessary.
It appears that the Reds have been keeping an eye on Koopmeiners for a while, which has led to rumours that his countryman, Lijnders, admires him. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool’s management has seen enough to be sufficiently persuaded on their scouting missions for Koopmeiners to emerge as a potential placement for Fabinho.
