Juventus on high alert as Liverpool plot hijack of Atalanta star, report says
By Eduardo Razo
Juventus have been keen on Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners to bolster their midfield. However, the Serie A side should be worried as one report reveals that a Premier League club could be making a last-minute swoop for the player.
The Old Lady lost Adrien Rabiot this summer as the 29-year-old left as a free agent. As a result, Juventus probably want to bolster the position, which is why they have their eyes on Koopmeiners.
Koopmeiners can play all over the midfield as an attacking, central, or defensive midfielder. However, the Netherlands international primarily plays in the defensive midfield role, making 169 appearances in that position, per Transfermarkt.
However, Juventus must be worried that the player they want to secure before the summer transfer window closes is also on Liverpool's radar.
Is Liverpool plotting a last-minute swoop?
TEAMtalk reported on Friday, citing sources, that Liverpool are still keen on the 26-year-old and have requested an update on his situation.
Moreover, the outlet notes that the Reds manager Arne Slot, who coached Koopmeiners at AZ Alkmaar from 2019 to 2020, is a big fan of the Dutch international and sees him as a top candidate to strengthen their midfield.
According to the report, the Atalanta standout has already agreed to personal terms with Juventus, but the English club isn't prepared to concede the race and could hijack the transfer. Still, the Italian club shouldn't be worried about losing their target.
Koopmeiners keen on Juventus
Despite drawing interest from other clubs, the midfielder has clarified that he wants to join Juventus. Moreover, Koopmeiners has reportedly expressed his desire to move numerous times and is actively pushing for the transfer.
TEAMtalk also notes that the reigning UEFA Europa League winners desire to keep him this season but would prefer to sell him outside of Italy rather than strengthen a direct Serie A rival if they opt to part ways.
La Dea are reportedly asking for a large part of the fee in advance, but Juventus cannot afford this as they would like to stagger payments and Liverpool can become a potential buyer.