Juventus star under pressure as he begins ‘make-or-break’ preseason

Teun Koopmeiners has arrived at Juventus’ summer training camp in Herzogenaurach, marking the latest chapter in what the club hopes will become a significant comeback season for the under-pressure Dutch midfielder.

Signed from Atalanta last August for a fee that rose to approximately €60 million—including bonuses—under a five-year contract running until 2029, Koopmeiners was expected to anchor the midfield.

Instead, he registered just five goals and three assists in 44 appearances, a level of output Juventus deemed insufficient for their headline summer signing.

Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus FC dribbles past Bernardo Silva of Manchester City FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match.

Despite this, Juventus have refrained from moving him on, making him one of the few high-cost players not available for transfer.

Instead, the club and new coach Igor Tudor have drawn up a detailed reboot plan, aiming to bring out the ‘RoboKoop’ version that shone at Bergamo.

This preparation unfolds at Herzogenaurach, which Juventus have chosen for their pre-season setup in Germany—a facility they first tested last summer under Motta.

The camp represents the operational pivot in Tudor’s strategy to rebuild both the physical and tactical identity of his squad.

Tudor has publicly acknowledged that Koopmeiners is far from his best, but emphasized his belief in the player’s quality and potential.

“It’s clearly not a great period,” Tudor said recently, before adding: “He has shown over recent years that he’s a strong player… it’s obvious he needs to be brought back to top condition—physically, mentally.”

Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus during a training session on August 4, 2025 in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Under Tudor’s guidance, Koopmeiners is expected to spend much of this camp in tailored work designed to reset his fitness and confidence.

In Italy, he has been monitored under a phased programme, with a future role envisaged on the right side of the attacking midfield—possibly as a quasi-regista—where he could influence play more decisively.

This camp is clearly Juventus’ test bench: if by the Serie A opener, due in less than a month, Koopmeiners has not reignited his form and driven a rejuvenation, the alternative scenario—a sale or loan departure—could gain credibility.

But for now the club is moving forward with faith. Tudor and Juventus appear determined to turn the pivotal page on Koopmeiners’ story—and make this camp the place where it can finally unfold.