Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano has spoken exclusively to CaughtOffside for today’s Daily Briefing column to clarify what Teun Koopmeiners might have been talking about when the new Juventus signing claimed he had some other clubs interested in him this summer.
According to Romano, Koopmeiners more or less made his mind up about leaving Atalanta for Juventus all the way back in February, despite numerous stories about other major clubs possibly being in the race for the Netherlands international’s signature.
Koopmeiners shone during his time at Atalanta, playing a key role in their remarkable achievement of winning the Europa League last season, and it’s little surprise that there was so much speculation about him this summer as a big move seemed inevitable for him.
In the end, it seems he was only ever going to join Juve, and that’s what happened, but Romano has explained that intermediaries tried to get English clubs involved in the race as well.
Koopmeiners transfer comments explained by Romano
“As I posted on my account on X yesterday, Teun Koopmeiners admitted he had interest from other clubs this summer, though he only ever wanted to join Juventus,” Romano said.
“‘Maybe yes, other clubs were interested in me this summer… but I was only interested in Juventus,’ the Dutch midfielder said, but what other opportunities did he mean?
“There were several calls from Premier League, intermediaries trying to open the door for some clubs but never an official bid to Atalanta. The reason was simple: despite interest from England, Koopmeiners only wanted to go to Juventus.
“He actually gave his priority to Juve all the way back in February, so there was never any realistic chance for other clubs in this race.”
Juventus had a good summer, also bringing in Douglas Luiz for their midfield, and they should make quite a formidable pair for new manager Thiago Motta.