- 24 Dec 2024
Liverpool open transfer talks with €60m former Slot favourite
Suraj Radia
- 16 May 2024 16:00 BST
- 3 min read
Incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot could make his first signing at Anfield a familiar face after reports that the Reds have already opened talks over a big money transfer.
Although a deal has not been formally announced, Slot is widely expected to leave current club Feyenoord and succeed Jurgen Klopp when the German steps down at the end of the season.
Liverpool may undergo a significant overhaul of their squad in the post-Klopp era, with interest expected from Saudi Pro League sides in Mohamed Salah, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract.
READ MORE: Latest Liverpool transfer news
A defensive midfielder is also believed to be among the positions Liverpool would like to strengthen this summer and a report in Italy claims that preliminary meetings have already occurred between the club and Atalanta star Teun Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners joined Atalanta from AZ, where he played for a season under Slot before the Dutch manager left for Feyenoord and the midfielder’s impressive form could see him net a big money move this summer.
Italian outlet TuttoAtalanta claim that Juventus are keen on the 26-year-old but Atalanta’s asking price of €60 million could prove a stumbling block, giving Liverpool a free run at the player if they wish.
Liverpool interested in Koopmeiners after standout campaign
Koopmeiners is having his best season for Atalanta, scoring 12 times in 32 games and also providing five assists in Serie A, playing in a more advanced midfield role.
STATS
Teun Koopmeiners
DM (RL), AM (C)
Atalanta
Teun Koopmeiners
DM (RL), AM (C)
Atalanta
However, the Dutch international is primarily a defensive midfielder and has also filled in at centre-back, while he is also known for his set-pieces and leadership as well as his passing.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time
Koopmeiners still has three years remaining on his contract and has not indicated he is desperate to leave Atalanta, however the interest from Liverpool and his former manager Slot could prove tempting.
The midfielder is also hoping to impress for the Netherlands in the upcoming European Championships, while Atalanta would be content at making a big profit on a player they signed for €13m in 2021 despite his importance to the team.
