Liverpool ahead of the curve in the race to land 25-year-old Serie A midfielder

Liverpool are the front-runners to sign Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners

According to Calciomercato (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are in pole position to sign Atalanta and Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners in the summer window.

The Reds were linked with the former AZ Alkmaar player in January, with an eye for a move in the summer. He did not rule out the possibility of moving away from Atalanta in the near future.

It is claimed that the Serie A side could cash in on the 25-year-old to make some profit as they are sceptical about playing Champions League football next season. At the moment, they are sixth in the table, four points adrift of fourth-placed Lazio.

Italian giants Juventus are also in the race for Koopmeiners, who is said to be valued around £44m

The 25-year-old is more of a box-to-box type of playmaking midfielder who can impact games in both boxes. In terms of attributes, he is excellent at passing, is physically and aerially strong, can score or assists goals and reads the game well defensively, having played as a centre-back earlier in his career.

In a Liverpool midfield that is lacking legs and goal contributions, Koopmeiners could fit in seamlessly. He is currently operating like Georginio Wijnaldum used to at Newcastle United before moving to Anfield. With similar prowess and physical strength, the former can be a handy player for Jurgen Klopp’s team.

We know that the Reds are in dire need of a midfield reshuffle in the coming summer. They would need at least three new signings in that department before the start of next season.

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Given his attributes and experience of playing in a high-tempo system at Atalanta, Koopmeiners could be a shrewd buy and one that fits the bill.