Liverpool look to Eredivisie youngster as replacement for Barca-bound midfielder

Liverpool’s season went from bad to worse on Tuesday night, as they fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final. 

The result may signal the end of Liverpool’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification for next season, as manager Jurgen Klopp has already conceded that it will be ‘almost impossible’ for his side to finish in the top-four.

Elimination at the hands of Madrid would also signal the end of the Reds’ chances of silverware this season, with the Premier League title out of sight and Klopp’s side already eliminated from both domestic cup competitions.

The Anfield faithful are also aware that midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, who has been arguably the club’s best player so far this term, is reportedly on the verge of a ‘dream move’ to La Liga side Barcelona.

Whilst official confirmation may be some way off, it has been widely reported in recent months that the Dutchman has long since dreamt of a move to the Catalan giants, and the club are ready to make an offer to sign the player when his current deal expires in the summer.

With the player’s future so uncertain, it appears that Klopp is already on the lookout for a replacement for Wijnaldum, with his fellow countryman Teun Koopmeiners being touted as the club’s prime target.

According to AS, the Reds are one of a number of clubs to register an interest in the player, and those in charge at Anfield view him as the ideal player to replace the outgoing Wijnaldum.

Koopmeiners made his senior debut at the age of 17.

Liverpool will face stiff competition for the player’s signature however, with Roma, Napoli, Inter Milan and Sevilla all rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Az Alkmaar captain.

Koopmeiners, who has been likened to Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, would likely cost a little less than £20 million, making him a very viable option as Liverpool look to strengthen without breaking the bank.

The 23-year-old is traditionally a defensive midfielder but has registered impressive attacking returns, primarily due to his abilities from set pieces.

A full Netherlands international, Koopmeiners could be lured to Anfield as a direct replacement for his international teammate Wijnaldum, who will end a five year stay at the club if he does depart in the summer.