Manager and player quizzed on claim of Leeds United interest – Neither keen to fuel the fire

On September 25th, The Telegraph reported Leeds United interest in AZ Alkmaar’s Teun Koopmeiners.

The left-footer mainly plays defensively, either in midfield or at the back, but he’s certainly got an attacking side too. Over 32 matches across the Eredivisie and Europa League last season, he scored 14 goals and added three assists.

So far this season, he’s scored twice in four matches, including a cracker from outside the box against Fortuna Sittard at the weekend. That may be unusual, given most of his goals come from penalties or free-kicks.

If there is anything in the rumour, then it’s pretty clear the player and his manager aren’t keen on encouraging it.

After the match against Fortuna, which finished 3-3, Alkmaar coach Arnie Slot spoke to Dutch TV. He was asked about the Leeds report, with Voetbal Primeur quoting him as saying: “I have also read it, but for me at the moment they are no more than rumours. I spoke to Max (Huiberts, sports director) this afternoon (Saturday) and he didn’t say anything about it. I must honestly tell you that the last thing I’m worried about right now are those rumours. We gave away a 3-1 lead and we are all very disappointed.”

Koopmeiners himself also wasn’t keen to add fuel to the transfer fire, saying: “I am an AZ player and I am very proud of that. At the moment I do my very best. The only thing that is in my head now is the game.”

There’s been no Dutch media trying to push this claim along, so, as it stands, there doesn’t seem a great deal in this… but what a left foot Koopmeiners has!