Report: Liverpool look at signing £12m set piece specialist who was the best defensive player in his country

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Liverpool are now looking at signing Atalanta’s set piece specialist Teun Koopmeiners, according to i News.

Jurgen Klopp’s side got off to a dismal start to the new year as they slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Brentford.

The Reds’ weaknesses in midfield were on display once again as their backline was often exposed by Thomas Frank’s side on the counter.

Klopp’s midfield is undoubtedly ageing, with the likes of Jordan Henderson past his prime and Fabinho seemingly slowing down this season.

Liverpool have signed just one midfielder, Thiago, on a permanent basis over the past four-and a-half-years. The Spaniard is also 31 and Klopp’s midfield seems to be lacking the trademark energy it used to boast.

Of course, Liverpool have their sights firmly set on landing Jude Bellingham over the summer. But they are seemingly eyeing a possible move for Koopmeiners too.

Liverpool look at signing Koopmeiners

Liverpool have watched Koopmeiners in action for Atalanta in recent months, according to i News.

The midfielder only completed a switch to Italy from Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar last summer in a deal worth around £12 million.

The 24-year-old impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup and is proving to be a creative outlet for Atalanta.

He’s managed to score four goals and provide one assist from the middle of the park this season, which is pretty impressive considering he used to play at centre-back.

Koopmeiners has received high praise from his former AZ boss Alan Pardew in the past, with the Englishman labelling him as the best defensive player in Holland back in 2020.

“The AZ captain Teun Koopmeiners, a left-footed centre back who can sit in midfield, is probably the best player in Holland in defensive areas,” he told the Daily Mail.

Liverpool’s top priority will undoubtedly be landing Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund over the summer but they are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements for this season.

Klopp’s midfield is lacking the high-energy it once possessed and it’s currently leaving their centre-backs exposed.

While Koopmeiners isn’t a big-name signing, he could be more than capable of coming in and doing the job required to help Liverpool get back on track. At 24, he boasts considerable experience playing at the top level for Holland and is a more defensively-minded midfielder.

The Dutchman is also a massive threat from dead-ball situations and could provide Liverpool with a very capable set piece-taker.