Journalist: Liverpool refuse to give up on €60m midfield target | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Midfield Reinforcement as Juventus Near Koopmeiners Deal

Liverpool are determined to bolster their midfield this summer, even as Juventus seem poised to secure the signature of Teun Koopmeiners. After missing out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, the Reds are now considering a move to hijack the deal for the Atalanta star, despite the Italian giants leading the race.

Liverpool’s Midfield Dilemma

The Reds’ quest for midfield reinforcements has been a hot topic among fans and pundits alike. After a series of exits, including key players like Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg, Liverpool’s squad appears to be lacking the depth needed to compete on multiple fronts. According to Rudy Galetti at TEAMtalk, “Liverpool have not given up on trying to strengthen their midfield after missing out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but Juventus remain the favourites to sign a €60m-rated star.”

This statement encapsulates the frustration many Liverpool fans feel. The club has seen departures but no significant arrivals, which leaves Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, with a major headache. The fact that Liverpool came close to securing Zubimendi, only to see him remain at Real Sociedad, adds to the sense of missed opportunity.

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The Koopmeiners Conundrum

Liverpool’s interest in Teun Koopmeiners is no secret. The Dutch midfielder has been on the radar for some time, with his impressive performances at Atalanta catching the eye of several top European clubs. As TEAMtalk notes, “Liverpool have long held an interest in Atalanta midfield maestro Teun Koopmeiners. The 26-year-old, who has scored 29 goals in 129 games for the Italian side, played a huge role in helping his team win last season’s Europa League, dispatching Klopp’s Reds along the way.”

Koopmeiners’ versatility, combined with his goal-scoring prowess, makes him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Liverpool’s midfield departures. However, Juventus are currently leading the race for his signature, having reportedly agreed on personal terms with the player. Despite this, Liverpool are not backing down. TEAMtalk reveals, “Our sources can reveal that the former AZ Alkmaar ace has already agreed personal terms with Juve, but the Merseyside outfit have not given up hope of a transfer hijack.”

Slot, who coached Koopmeiners at AZ Alkmaar, is a big admirer of the player and considers him a priority for the midfield reinforcement. However, the player’s preference for Juventus complicates matters. Koopmeiners has made it clear that he would rather move to the Turin-based club, which could prove a significant hurdle for Liverpool.

Financial Considerations and Opportunities

One potential advantage for Liverpool is Atalanta’s stance on the financial terms of the deal. Juventus want to spread the €60m fee over several years, a proposition that Atalanta finds unappealing. The Italian club would prefer a more significant portion of the payment upfront, which could give Liverpool an opening. If the Reds can present a more attractive financial package, they might still be able to lure Koopmeiners to Anfield.

However, time is running out. With the transfer window closing soon, Liverpool must act swiftly and decisively if they are to have any chance of pulling off this deal. The stakes are high, and the club cannot afford to miss out on another midfield target.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Teun Koopmeiners highlights the club’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its squad in the face of stiff competition. While Juventus may be in pole position, the Reds are not giving up hope just yet. As the transfer window nears its end, all eyes will be on Anfield to see if they can pull off a last-minute coup.

The midfield remains a key area of concern for Liverpool, and securing Koopmeiners would undoubtedly boost their chances of competing on all fronts this season. However, the road ahead is far from easy, and the club will need to navigate both financial and player preference challenges to get this deal over the line.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu with this transfer saga. We’ve seen the club miss out on targets before, and the lack of urgency in addressing our midfield concerns is worrying. Sure, Koopmeiners would be a good addition, but with Juventus already ahead, it feels like we’re chasing a lost cause.

The club’s reluctance to spend big upfront has cost us before, and it seems like we might be heading down the same path. Atalanta wants a significant portion of the fee upfront, and if we can’t meet that demand, we might as well kiss this deal goodbye. It’s frustrating to see other clubs making moves while we’re left scrambling in the final days of the transfer window.

Moreover, the fact that Koopmeiners prefers Juventus adds another layer of doubt. If a player’s heart isn’t fully committed to the club, should we really be pursuing them? It feels like we’re trying to force a move that might not be in our best interest in the long run.

At this point, Liverpool need to either go all-in and make a serious offer or shift focus to other targets. We’ve seen how crucial midfield depth is in recent seasons, and another miss could be costly.