Liverpool transfers: Koopmeiners BOOST as Juventus sign Douglas Luiz

Juventus are expected to finalise the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz in a £42 million deal before the weekend is out. 

The Brazil international passed his medical checks after the Italian side sent their medical team to assess the 26-year-old, who is currently with the Brazil squad in the United States for the Copa America. 

Villa will also get two players in exchange for the ex-Manchester City midfielder - Enzo Barrenechea and young Englishman Samuel Iling-Junior. 

Although Liverpool had been a stalking horse in the chase for Douglas Luiz, his move to Turin could actually prove to be a BOOST to the Reds as they chase a midfielder of their own this summer. 

Juventus had identified Atalanta’s Europa League winner Teun Koopmeiners as their No.1 midfield target and the Dutch international had previously expressed a preference to remain in Serie A. 

However the Old Lady were having trouble meeting Atalanta’s asking price, estimated at €60m+. 

Should they fail to offload any more fringe players this summer then it is unlikely they will be able to follow through on their interest. 

Liverpool identify Koopmeiners

Liverpool are believed to be strong suitors for Koopmeiners, 26, and their interest predates the appointment of Arne Slot as head coach. 

Slot, 45, coached Koopmeiners during the pair’s days at AZ, leading to the player’s blockbuster move to Serie A. 

Juve were Liverpool’s big rivals in any attempted move for the schemer this summer and Luiz’s transfer to Turin means a significant hurdle may well have been cleared. 

Currently injured, Koopmeiners was expected to lead The Netherlands at Euro 2024 but instead will spend the summer recovering. 

It’s not yet known where he will be playing his football next season and is under contract at La Dea until 2027. 

Last season he played 51 matches for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, scoring 15 times and adding seven assists. 

He helped the team to the Europa League title against Bayer Leverkusen and the side also featured in the Coppa Italia final, where they lost to Juventus.