With Jürgen Klopp set to bid farewell to Liverpool this weekend, it will soon be time to start a new era at Anfield.
It will no doubt be an emotional occasion on Sunday as Klopp brings the curtain down on nearly nine years at the helm. During that time, he has transformed the Reds’ fortunes, and taken them back to the pinnacle of world football.
Liverpool will have to move on though, and plans are already well underway for the post-Klopp era. Arne Slot will arrive as the club’s new boss, while new sporting director Richard Hughes will be in charge of identifying some new recruits for him, with plenty of names already being linked ahead of the transfer window opening.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today, including a potential new goalkeeper, and the latest on Teun Koopmeiners.
Alex McCarthy (Southampton)
Liverpool is among a host of clubs showing interest in Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, according to the Daily Mail. The Reds will be on the lookout for a new backup goalkeeper this summer after Adrián confirmed his intentions to leave Anfield.
McCarthy is out of contract this summer and looks set to be on the move. Newcastle and Celtic have also been linked with services, with Liverpool said to be drawing up a shortlist of options.
Liverpool.com says: Liverpool obviously won’t want to break the bank for a third-choice goalkeeper, but the Reds will want someone who can step up if called upon. McCarthy fits the bill in that regard, with Premier League experience under his belt, as well as an England call-up back in 2018.
Getting an experienced head in will also be important to replace Adrián. The Spaniard has been a leader for the Reds over the years, even if he hasn’t made that many appearances.
Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta)
Liverpool would have ‘no problem’ meeting Atalanta’s demand to sign Teun Koopmeiners this summer, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport. The Reds are said to be the main competition to Juventus for the Netherlands international, with a fee of around $76m (£60m/€70m) being requested.
Newcastle and Manchester United are also said to have shown an interest, although Liverpool are apparently ahead of both. It’s also claimed there is a ‘special feeling’ between Koopmeiners and incoming Reds boss Arne Slot which could scupper Juventus’ chances of signing him, with the pair having worked together at AZ Alkmaar.
Liverpool.com says: Koopmeiners would certainly be an exciting signing for Liverpool, although whether he’s quite what the Reds need is up for debate. If a midfielder is to be signed, then you’d imagine a number six would the most ideal option. Koopmeiners can play that role, although he’s primarily used in a more advanced position.
