Leeds United linked with move for AZ Alkmaar captain Teun Koopmeiners

Leeds United could make a move for AZ Almkaar captain Teun Koopmeiners, according to a report by Mike McGrath in the Telegraph.

Koopmeiners, 22, has been capped for the Netherlands from u17 to u21 level, and has scored 29 goals in 135 appearances for AZ Alkmaar - his goalscoring record is boosted by being on penalties for the club.

He is primarily a defensive midfielder but he can also play as a centre-back which would appeal to Marcelo Bielsa - although moreso a week ago than now - and could play as a ‘number eight’ as well. He is often described as ‘dictating the play’ for AZ, who only finished behind 1st placed Ajax on goal difference when football was curtailed by the coronavirus.

Koopmeiners form last season was praised heavily and he was named in the provisional senior squad for the Nations League games that have just passed, before dropping in to play for the u21 side.

Koopmeiners would be a great addition - but his best position is the same as Kalvin Phillips’ position. He can play in other roles though so it would be interesting to see how he would be used if we sign him. He is still only 22 as well so he has a lot of room to improve.

The report says a fee that will “break the £10m barrier”, but if it is below £15m that sounds like decent value based on his reputation. Victor Orta was seen in Manchester Airport earlier today, is this his destination? This signing would put pay to the Rodrigo De Paul rumours as we won’t be gettting both surely.

Would you want to see Teun Koopmeiners at Leeds? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @ThruItAllLUFC.