Transfer News: Juventus Finally Confirm the Signing of Teun Koopmeiners for a Reported Fee of 61-million Euros

Juventus’ pursuit of Dutch international Teun Koopmeiners has rambled on for the majority of the summer transfer window. However, the Old Lady have finally agreed terms with Atalanta and Koopmeiners entourage for a statement transfer.

The 26-year-old Dutch international established himself as one of the best midfielders in Italy, playing an instrumental role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last season. But despite enjoying a successful season with La Dea, Koopmeiners handed in a transfer request this summer. The 26-year-old midfielder even refused to train with his Atalanta teammates after the summer break, as his head was turned by interest from Juventus.  

Atalanta’s head coach Gianpiero Gasparini even stated in a post-match interview that Koopmeiners’ behavior was expected. He said, “In all honesty, nobody expected to find ourselves in this situation. At this moment, I am having to take it one day at a time.... I don’t know what will happen over the remaining 10 days of the transfer window. My job is to assemble the best squad possible, to see with the club what could be useful to add.” 

Although Teun Koopmeiners had put in a transfer request, his move dragged on throughout the summer. However, the saga has finally reached its conclusion, with Juventus shelling out £61.7 million to land the midfielder. This fee not only marks the highest transfer in Italy this window but also breaks Juve's own record of €51.5 million paid for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz. In their statement, Juventus confirmed they had agreed on a fee of “€51.3 million, payable over four financial years, with the addition of ancillary costs up to €3.4 million.” Additionally, Juve will pay Atalanta another €6 million “upon the achievement of further performance objectives” for Koopmeiners, who has committed to a five-year contract, reportedly earning €4.5 million per season. The 26-year-old Dutch international will wear the No.8 shirt.

The Old Lady have completely revamped their midfield with the signings of Koopmeiners, along with Khephren Thuram and Douglas Luiz. Besides a midfield rebuild, Juventus have added the likes of Nico Gonzalez, Francisco Conceicao, Pierre Kalulu, Michele Di Gregorio and Juan Cabal for a total transfer outlay of approximately 111-million euros. Juventus’ hierarchy has completely backed the vision of new head coach Thiago Motta in the transfer market, and the results are there for everyone to see. The Old Lady have started the campaign with two 3-0 wins against Como and Hellas Verona. There’s still a long way to go, but the early signs look promising for Juventus. 

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