Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is subject of interest for a move from Saudi Arabia, but the Reds could replace the Brazilian international with Atalana’s Teun Koopmeiners
Liverpool’s summer transfer plans have taken an unexpected turn with the possible departure of midfielder Fabinho.
The Brazilian has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al Ittihad making a £40m offer for his services. Although no deal has been reached, Fabinho’s departure looks increasingly likely and as a result Liverpool are in need of a replacement who can be slotted straight into the starting XI.
Several names have been linked to the Reds, including Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat. Southampton’s Romeo Lavia has also been identified as a long-term replacement for Fabinho, reports the Liverpool Echo.
However, each of these options comes with its own set of challenges, be it age, lack of Premier League experience, inflated prices or availability. But there is one player who could be the perfect solution to Liverpool’s midfield problem and allow them to turn a profit in the process: Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners.
The Dutch midfielder has been on Liverpool’s radar for a while now. According to reports from January, Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders is a huge fan of Koopmeiners.
The 25-year-old expressed his joy at Atalanta but also admitted he was flattered by the Liverpool links. “I saw the links and the stories about Liverpool,” he said. “It’s good to see that, but I’m 100% focused on Atalanta. I’m so happy to play here.”
Koopmeiners versatility is one of its strengths. He can play as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder or even central defender if needed.
His ability to adapt to different positions would make him a valuable asset to Liverpool, especially considering Jurgen Klopp’s new 3-2-2-3 formation or the more commonly used 4-3-2. Koopmeiners showed his talents in Italy last season, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 33 Serie A appearances.
Liverpool’s interest in Koopmeiners dates back to 2021 when they sought a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum. Although speculation has died down in recent months, the Reds’ reported interest in the Dutchman remains.
With a reported price of around £35m, the Koopmeiners would be an affordable option for Liverpool and would fit their preferred profile of signings. It would also give the Anfield club a profit of £5m from the Koopmeiners and Fabinho deals.
Koopmeiners’ existing relationships with Liverpool players Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk could ease his integration into the team. The midfielder’s leadership qualities, combined with his technical ability and work rate, make him an attractive candidate for Klopp’s side. Liverpool’s pre-season preparations are underway and they will be hoping to bounce back from a difficult season.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen if Liverpool will make a firm move for the Dutch midfielder. However, if that were the case, Koopmeiners could be the perfect replacement for Fabinho as he offers both defensive stability and versatility in different positions.
