The Story Behind the £34m Star Klopp Couldn’t Bring to Liverpool
The player had previously been widely expected to complete a move to Liverpool before the deal ultimately collapsed.
Jürgen Klopp came close to securing a highly regarded signing just four days before announcing his departure from Liverpool — but how did that transfer unravel, and where does the player stand today?
January 26, 2024, is a date forever etched into Liverpool folklore.
After nine trophy-laden years in charge, Klopp confirmed he would step down as Reds boss at the end of the 2023/24 season.
Supporters vividly recall the moment the news broke, with many hoping Liverpool could cap Klopp’s reign by lifting the Premier League title. The Reds were top of the table at the time, though they eventually finished third, behind Arsenal and champions Manchester City.
There had been little indication that Klopp was considering leaving, with no leaks or speculation — a rarity in the modern game.
Just four days earlier, Liverpool had been strongly linked with then-Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
A mooted £34 million move for the Dutch international failed to materialise, and he instead joined Serie A heavyweights Juventus for £46.11 million in the summer of 2024.
This raised the question: did Liverpool miss out on a gem, or sidestep an expensive misstep?
Koopmeiners’ first season in Turin fell short of expectations.
He managed five goals and three assists across 44 appearances, struggling to consistently impress as Juventus finished fourth in Serie A.
Observers suggested the 27-year-old was never properly settled under former coaches Thiago Motta and Igor Tudor, having been deployed in multiple positions — including as a No.10, inverted winger and box-to-box midfielder.
That changed under Luciano Spalletti, who took charge in October and opted to use Koopmeiners in a deeper, more disciplined role.
By his own admission, the Dutchman now feels “much better” operating as a left-sided centre-back in a back five that steps into midfield when needed.
Speaking to DAZN in November, Koopmeiners explained:
“The coach told me I could play here, but also step into midfield to make things harder for the opponent. I feel comfortable in this role and believe I can really help the team.”
He added:
“I enjoy being on the ball, getting plenty of touches, playing passes and moving forward — all of which I can do in this position.”
Whether Koopmeiners would have thrived at Liverpool remains open to debate. His arrival may have impacted Ryan Gravenberch’s rise as the club’s first-choice No.6 under Arne Slot during the 2024/25 title-winning campaign.
While it’s possible the Dutchman could have flourished first under Klopp and then Slot, the £34 million price tag means Liverpool are unlikely to feel any lasting regret based on his Juventus form.
That said, now that Koopmeiners has rediscovered his confidence, there remains a chance he could yet make the Premier League side rue their missed opportunity.
