Atalanta Bergamo are already planning for the new season without Teun Koopmeiners (26), who is currently staying away from training with the Europa League winners. The Dutchman only has Juventus Turin on his mind
The rumors have persisted in recent weeks. Now, however, Teun Koopmeiners’ departure from Bergamo is apparently imminent. Because the player has decided so.
Coach Gian Piero Gasperini made it clear in an interview with L’Eco di Bergamo: “Things were going very well with Koopmeiners until last week, but then the player decided to go to Juventus.” Because the 21-time Dutch international (two goals) “already has a contract” at Juve, according to Gasperini, Koopmeiners feels “stressed”.
With the new season approaching, the central midfielder is probably not moving fast enough. “He has decided to stop playing and training with us,” said Gasperini: “With this attitude, he can’t be of any use to the team or his teammates. “
Second European title beckons – Gasperini promises “very tough attitude “
This Friday (6.30pm), Atalanta have their dress rehearsal at FC St. Pauli before the eagerly awaited UEFA Super Cup against Champions League winners Real Madrid next Wednesday. The next European title beckons, and disruptive fire is unwelcome.
Koopmeiners, who Atalanta are not prepared to let go so easily, is now providing just such a disruption. “The club has taken a very tough stance because it feels blackmailed by this situation,” Gasperini explained. It is a “very different situation” to other talented players who have left Atalanta for bigger clubs in the past.
The market value of Koopmeiner, who is still tied to Bergamo until June 30, 2027, is estimated at 50 million euros. Juve had already signed two central midfielders this summer, Khephren Thuram (who came from Nice for €20.6 million) and Douglas Luiz (who joined from Aston Villa for €51.5 million)
