Liverpool has already seen what $54m transfer could offer as Arne Slot signing claim emerges

Given the way that it unfolded, you probably don't want any reminders about how Liverpool was knocked out of the Europa League against Atalanta. If so, then apologies in advance.

Unfortunately, there’s no escaping what was a pretty rotten performance from Liverpool. A 3-0 defeat at Anfield is never a welcome sight, but especially not in the first leg of a European quarter-final, and it summed up a wider malaise.

As bad as the Reds were though, Atalanta certainly deserves a lot of credit. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side got the job done in the second match and ever really looked truly threatened.

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In fact, one player whom Liverpool fans will be very familiar with should really have put the tie beyond any doubt in the first leg. Teun Koopmeiners had a couple of golden opportunities to extend the Italian side’s advantage even further, but found himself denied by Caoimhín Kelleher.

A quick search on social media of the Netherlands international’s name at the time brought up a number of posts bemoaning those two missed opportunities. If incoming sporting director Richard Hughes was watching on though, he shouldn’t let that cloud his judgment.

Koopmeiners was superb for Atalanta, playing in a more advanced role than many would perhaps be familiar with for him. That though just goes to show what the 26-year-old offers, and what he could bring to the Premier League next season.

Koopmeiners has already made his intentions clear ahead of the summer. He wants a move away from Atalanta, and is eyeing up the Premier League as a potential destination.

"Last year there was concrete interest from Napoli. However, in the end, the two clubs did not find an agreement. I told Atalanta that in the coming summer, I want to move," he told De Telegraaf last month.

"My fiancée and I are having a great time in Italy, but for some clubs in England I could even bear the rainy days there… I hope options present themselves so I can think about it. I would be lying if I said I didn’t hear the news about the interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs have shown to me."

It seems then that Koopmeiners will be on the move this summer. And if that’s the case, based on last night’s showing, Liverpool should seriously consider bringing him back to Anfield. Today, De Telegraaf has reported that reuniting with his former AZ Alkmaar boss Arne Slot on Merseyside could be even more appealing than staying in Serie with Juve.

The midfielder has been regularly linked with the Reds over the years, although no transfer has ever materialized. According to Gazzetta dello Sport though, Liverpool has continued to monitor him, with Atalanta wanting $54m (£43m/€50m) for his services.

Last month, we got to see exactly what he can do at Anfield. Forget the missed chances, Koopmeiners looked the real deal, and showed exactly why he should be of interest again this summer. His links with Slot only make that more obvious.

An original version of this article was first published on April 12. It has since been updated.