Every now and then, Calciomercato drop a short and sweet transfer rumour, and you never really know what to make of it.
Their latest claim is that Liverpool are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Teun Koopmeiners this summer, and are viewing him as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.
Wijnaldum is out of contract this summer and looks set to leave Anfield on a free transfer, meaning Michael Edwards may need to find another midfielder.
He could end up replacing Wijnaldum with one of his Dutch international teammates, with Koopmeiners believed to be on Liverpool’s radar.
The 23-year-old has played predominantly as a holding midfield player, which is where Fabinho plays for Liverpool, and may leave some wondering whether he really fits what the Reds need.
Koopmeiners has also played as box-to-box player or even as a centre back though, offering great versatility whilst being a hard-working player with an impressive passing rage.
His goal record isn’t bad at all; 17 goals in all competitions this season whilst also notching eight assists in a stunning campaign; one which is likely to see him earn a move away from AZ.
Of his 15 league goals this term, eight have come from the penalty spot, with three free kicks scored and four from open play, mostly using his outstanding left foot devastating effect.
Just look at this goal against PSV Eindhoven earlier this year; nonchalant and executed to perfection.
A leader as AZ captain, Koopmeiners could be a smart capture for Liverpool, but expecting him to fill the same role as Wijnaldum seems a little odd, as they don’t have particularly similar skillsets.

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