Matthijs de Ligt played key role in Liverpool losing out on Arne Slot target
Liverpool were keen on landing Teun Koopmeiners - someone who had worked under Arne Slot previously - in the summer transfer window before he joined Juventus from Atalanta
Liverpool and Arne Slot were keen on Teun Koopmeiners before his move to Juventus in the summer - with Matthijs de Ligt helping convince the midfielder to remain in Italy.
Koopmeiners had continued to impress with Atalanta, who have punched above their weight for years in Italy. He became a Europa League winner as his side saw off Bayer Leverkusen with his performances grabbing the attention of Slot.
Former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp was reportedly an admirer of Koopmeiners during his tenure, and the club renewed their interest in the player. Slot himself was familiar with his compatriot too, having managed him at AZ Alkmaar in 2020 and eyed a reunion.
The 26-year-old, who was valued at £50million by Atalanta, was always keen on a move to Juventus though and had discussed the club with compatriot De Ligt. The Manchester United defender underlined the quality of the club, where he played in the past, which helped Koopmeiners make his decision.
He said of his summer switch: "I had never been here but I knew the history of the club and I had played against them. Let’s say that when I arrived, I saw first-hand that everything I knew and that De Ligt had told me was true: from the services to the facilities, to the kindness of the people. Really fantastic. Here at Juve everything is beautiful: on the first day I felt like I was living a dream."
The midfielder added: "I repeat, I have worked to be here since I was little: I had told my girlfriend many times in the past that my goal would be to become a Juventus player and I did it."
Liverpool themselves ended up having an incredibly quiet summer transfer window. Slot opted to stick largely with the squad he inherited from Klopp with Federico Chiesa, who joined from Juventus, their only capture.
Despite missing out on Koopmeiners Liverpool have not struggled for quality in midfield. Slot has been able to get the best from Ryan Gravenberch, another Dutch star, who joined the club in Klopp's final summer from Bayern Munich.
He endured a difficult debut campaign but has been one of Liverpool's outstanding performers this term. The Reds have won all but two of their games this season as they sit top in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
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