Teun Koopmeiners, Who Has Been Linked With Manchester United, Has Requested To Depart From Atalanta BC
Teun Koopmeiners, Who Has Been Linked With Manchester United, Has Requested To Depart From Atalanta BC
Manchester United and Liverpool have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Atalanta BC midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, who has expressed his desire to leave the Italian club.
The Netherlands international emerged from the AZ Alkmaar youth academy before joining Atalanta for a modest €14 million (£12 million) fee in 2021. Since then, he has made 112 appearances for La Dea.
Initially deployed as a defensive midfielder, Koopmeiners has successfully transitioned into a playmaker role and has contributed 26 goals and 12 assists in 112 matches across all competitions for Atalanta.
In the 2023-24 season, the 26-year-old has showcased an enhanced goal-scoring threat with 12 goals and four assists in 34 games, aiding Atalanta’s progress to the Europa League quarter-finals and Coppa Italia semi-finals.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side is set to face Liverpool in the Europa League quarter-finals, with the Reds reportedly among the clubs interested in securing Koopmeiners’ signature.
Man United and Juventus have also been speculated to show interest, and now all three clubs have received encouragement in their pursuit of Koopmeiners, who has confirmed his intention to embark on a new adventure this summer.
“I have informed the club that I would like to leave in the summer,” Koopmeiners told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“However, for me to leave Bergamo, a truly appealing offer must be presented, as I hope that Atalanta will receive a substantial fee from my transfer. I am optimistic that I will have some options to consider.”
The midfielder’s transfer request is expected to alert clubs in England, including Man United and Liverpool, and he has humorously remarked that he would endure the rainy weather in England to fulfill his dream of playing in the Premier League.
“I would even endure the rain in England for certain Premier League clubs,” the Dutchman quipped. “I have had a fantastic time in Bergamo, and my girlfriend and I are enjoying ourselves immensely.”
Liverpool are anticipated to see Thiago Alcantara depart on a free transfer at the end of the season, as the Spaniard’s contract is set to expire. Meanwhile, Man United may part ways with several midfielders in the near future.
Donny van de Beek and Sofyan Amrabat, who is currently on loan at Fiorentina, are expected to leave. Additionally, there is uncertainty surrounding the future of Casemiro, who is reportedly a target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
On another front, Juventus is seeking a replacement for Paul Pogba, who was recently suspended for four years due to doping. Koopmeiners is aware of the Old Lady’s interest, stating, “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t aware of this news; I’ve come across it as well.”
The Dutchman, whose contract with Atalanta is valid until 2027, also disclosed that reigning champions Napoli were in negotiations to acquire his services last summer, but the two clubs failed to reach an agreement.
Koopmeiners is currently with the Netherlands squad, preparing for their upcoming friendlies against Scotland and Germany on Friday and Tuesday, respectively.
