Gasperini: ‘Koopmeiners the real victim’ of Juventus transfer tactics | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini has surprisingly said Teun Koopmeiners is ‘the real victim of this situation’ after downing tools with Atalanta to force through a Juventus transfer.

The midfielder was a fan favourite after helping them win the Europa League and reach the Coppa Italia Final last season, contributing 15 goals and seven assists in 51 competitive games.

However, just days before the prestigious UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid, Gasperini announced that Koopmeiners had refused to train or play because he wanted to join Juventus.

“It’s disappointing for Koopmeiners, who was denied the opportunity to play in this game,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia this afternoon.

“He is the real victim of this situation. I am sad that I was unable to convince him to keep out of certain transfer market issues. He remains a very nice guy, we are very fond of him and he helped us to get here.”

If the clubs are unable to work out a transfer fee this summer, then can the Dutchman potentially repair the broken rapport with Atalanta?

“I don’t know, but for what I can see, he has been a victim. There is regret, I had warned him about this situation. Something was done that could do maximum damage to Atalanta. It was timed perfectly for that.

“We don’t know what could happen over the next two weeks.”

Juventus working on Koopmeiners deal

Juve have offered a reported fee of €50m plus €5m in add-ons for the Netherlands international, whereas La Dea are holding out for €60m.

The Bergamo side is clearly irritated by the approach taken by Juve, who agreed personal terms with Koopmeiners as early as March 2024.

The 26-year-old is tied to a contract with Atalanta until June 2027, so a long way from being in a position to hold those unauthorised negotiations.