The fierce rivalry between English Premier League titans Liverpool and Manchester United is renowned worldwide as one of the most intimidating and classic rivalries in soccer. And it once again demonstrated its hostility in their recent FA Cup quarter-final tie, highlighting the high stakes of their domestic competition clash.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side overturned a deficit to secure an inspirational victory at home, progressing to the semi-final. Now, extending their on-field rivalry into the transfer market, the two bitter rivals aim to challenge each other further by vying for the interest of Atalanta BC’s standout midfielder, Teun Koopmeiners.
Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners eyes Premier League move
The midfield star of Atalanta, Teun Koopmeiners, joined the Serie A club in a deal worth merely €14 million in 2021 from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar after rising through their academy and youth institutions. However, in Bergamo, he swiftly adapted to an advanced role, playing a pivotal role.
Since joining, Koopmeiners has made 112 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 12 assists, becoming a key figure in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. This season, he has continued to impress with 34 appearances across all competitions, contributing 16 goals, thereby maintaining the interest of potential bidders.
Amid interest from Liverpool and United, the Dutch international, who has appeared on the transfer lists of various clubs, spoke to De Telegraaf, an Italian outlet, about his future. He expressed a preference for a move to England.
He revealed, “I told Atalanta that I want to move next summer, but to leave Bergamo, a really interesting offer must arrive. I hope that Atalanta will earn a good sum from my transfer. My girlfriend and I are having a lot of fun in Italy, but for some clubs in the Premier League I will even put up with the rain.”
Manchester United reportedly in race to sign Koopmeiners
Premier League clubs have shown significant interest in Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who is under contract with the Italian outfit until 2027. Initially tagged at £34 million, the rising demand for his signature has boosted the price to £43 million. The 26-year-old himself is open to a move to the Premier League,
The Red Devils are keen to acquire the Dutchman’s services, hoping he will follow in the footsteps of his former teammate, Rasmus Hojlund, at Old Trafford. This interest comes amidst uncertainty over Casemiro’s future and Sofyan Amrabat’s expected return to Fiorentina.
Manchester United is eager to strengthen their midfield with a versatile player like Koopmeiners this summer, and the financial aspect of the deal is not anticipated to be an obstacle. This is particularly the case given Hojlund’s success at United Colors after his move from Atlanta.
Alongside Manchester United, Liverpool is also monitoring Teun Koopmeiners as a potential replacement for the injury-prone Thiago Alcántara, who will be departing the club at the end of the 2023–24 season. The Reds are prepared to compete with their league rivals for Koopmeiners’s signature.
