Gasperini: Koopmeiners’ Juventus move a betrayal

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed his disappointment and frustration over midfielder Teun Koopmeiners’ decision to force a move to Juventus.

In an interview with local newspaper L’Eco di Bergamo, Gasperini revealed that Koopmeiners has stopped training with the team, citing stress from the transfer saga.

“The situation with Koopmeiners was going very well until last week,” Gasperini said. “Then the player decided to go to Juventus, with whom he already has an agreement. He feels stressed and has decided not to train with us anymore.

“With this attitude, you are not useful to your team, nor to the club. The club now feels blackmailed and has raised a wall, compared to the many other times it has sold a player to a big club.”

Juventus is actively pursuing Teun Koopmeiners, with recent developments suggesting they are close to finalizing the deal.

The Bianconeri have reportedly raised their offer for the Atalanta midfielder to around €48-50 million, plus €5-7 million in add-ons, though Atalanta initially set a €60 million price tag.

Koopmeiners has already agreed to personal terms with Juventus for a five-year contract worth approximately €4.5 million per season

Gasperini also commented on the potential impact of Koopmeiners’ departure on the team: “We’ve had two very serious injuries, and now there’s also the Koopmeiners situation. It’s not easy. Scalvini, Scamacca, and Koopmeiners are three players of very high technical and economic value for the club.”

The transfer is expected to be completed after Atalanta’s UEFA Super Cup match against Real Madrid on August 14

The Atalanta manager expressed his surprise at the turn of events, as he had hoped for a more amicable transfer negotiation.

“I was definitely counting on Koopmeiners. I had hoped for a negotiation like those seen in the past. Instead, a situation arose that led to a hardening of positions,” he declared.

“I understand the player’s desire, and I also understand the club’s position, which does not want to be blackmailed. However, it will not be easy to find players of his value.”