8 months ago
46 ARTICLE AD
Teun Koopmeiners has fuelled speculation of a possible move to Liverpool this summer, claiming he’s told Atalanta he wants to leave and joking that he ‘could even bear the rainy days’ in England.
The 26-year-old is enjoying a phenomenal season with Atalanta, notching up ten goals and three assists in Serie A, and is one of only two players to reach double figures from midfield over the last two seasons in Europe’s top five leagues – along with Manchester City star Phil Foden.
Juventus have held a long-standing interest in Koopmeiners and a scintillating performance in Atalanta’s 2-2 draw at the Allianz Stadium prior to the international break – in which the Dutchman completed a brace – convinced the Turin giants that he was the real deal.
Liverpool have also been keeping close tabs on Koopmeiners across the campaign and reports in Italy claim the Merseyside giants are likely to provide serious competition for the Netherlands international’s signature in the summer transfer window.
After successfully fending off Napoli’s advances for Koopmeiners last summer, Atalanta have grown increasingly resigned to losing their prized possession at the end of the season and would be prepared to agree a deal for a fee of between €50-60million (£43-51m).
‘Last year there was concrete interest from Napoli. However, in the end the two clubs did not find an agreement. I told Atalanta that in the coming summer I want to move,’ Koopmeiners told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
‘But something really interesting must present itself to leave Bergamo.
‘My fiancée and I are having a great time in Italy, but for some clubs in England I could even bear the rainy days there… I hope options present themselves so I can think about it.’
Koopmeiners is well aware of the rumours linking him with Juventus, as well as Premier League clubs, and hopes Atalanta are able to get a ‘good fee’ when he does move on.
‘I hope Atalanta gets a good fee for me because I had a wonderful time in Bergamo,’ he added.
‘I would be lying if I said i didn’t hear the news about the interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs have shown to me.’
Koopmeiners is enjoying his third year with Atalanta after completing a £10m switch from his boyhood club AZ Alkmaar back in 2021.
The sought-after midfielder has been capped 20 times at international level and is expected to play a major role for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands at this summer’s European Championships.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Roy Keane and Gary Neville ‘can see’ Gareth Southgate replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
MORE : Bacary Sagna backs Chelsea star to become ‘the best player in the Premier League in his position’
MORE : Bruno Fernandes heaps praise on Sporting boss Ruben Amorim amid Manchester United links
