It will soon be time to begin a new era at Anfield, with Jürgen Klopp scheduled to say goodbye to Liverpool this next weekend.
When Klopp ends his nearly nine-year tenure on Sunday, it will undoubtedly be a tearful moment. He has changed the Reds’ trajectory and returned them to the top of the international football scene throughout that time.
However, Liverpool will need to move on, and preparations for the post-Klopp era are already well advanced. The club’s new manager, Arne Slot, will be joined by sporting director Richard Hughes in finding new players. A number of names have already been connected to the club before the transfer window opens.
The Liverpool.com opinion on the transfer rumors that have been circulating about the Reds today, including the latest on Teun Koopmeiners and a possible new goalkeeper, is as follows.
Southampton native Alex McCarthy
The Daily Mail claims that Liverpool is one of several teams expressing interest in Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. Adrián made it clear that he intended to leave Anfield, therefore the Reds will be searching this summer for a new backup goalkeeper.
McCarthy’s contract expires this summer, and it appears that he will be moving. Services have also been linked to Newcastle and Celtic, and Liverpool is reportedly compiling a shortlist of possibilities.
According to Liverpool.com, the Reds will want a goalkeeper who can step in when necessary, but they won’t want to spend a fortune on a third-choice stopper. In that sense, McCarthy is a perfect fit, having played in the Premier League and earning an England call-up in 2018.
It will also be crucial to bring in an experienced leader to succeed Adrián. Despite his lack of playing time, the Spaniard has been a leader for the Reds throughout the years.
Koopmeiners Teun (Atalanta)
According to Italian publication Tuttosport, Liverpool would have “no problem” agreeing to Atalanta’s demand to recruit Teun Koopmeiners this summer. The Netherlands international is reportedly attracting interest from Juventus, and the Reds are reportedly offering a cost of about $76 million (£60 million/€70 million).
It’s also reported that Manchester United and Newcastle have expressed interest, but Liverpool is reportedly ahead of both of them. Additionally, it is said that Koopmeiners and new Reds manager Arne Slot have a “special feeling” that could ruin Juventus’ hopes of recruiting him. The two previously collaborated at AZ Alkmaar.
According to Liverpool.com, Koopmeiners would be an exciting addition to Liverpool, but it’s debatable if the Reds really need him. Sixth overall seems like the best choice if a midfield player is going to be signed. Koopmeiners is usually utilized in a more advanced role, but he is capable of filling that role as well.