Transfer News
I want to make a move next summer to Old Trafford – Man United recieve massive boost to sign €43m Star midfielder after he told them what they want to hear amid transfer links
I want to make a move next summer to Old Trafford – Man United recieve massive boost to sign €43m Star midfielder after he told them what they want to hear amid transfer links
Man United have been linked with Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners in recent weeks.
Ahead of this forthcoming summer’s transfer window, Manchester United are already being linked with a catalogue of players.
Following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Ineos Group, big changes are expected to take place at Old Trafford ahead of next season. United plan to become more proactive in the seller’s market, with a record number of sales planned.
They also plan to be active in the buyer’s market, with the club keen to add fresh blood to their ranks. It is understood that a full-back, a centre-back, a midfielder and a forward feature on their wish list.
Though the four aforementioned positions need strengthening, it has been argued that strengthening in midfield should be United’s leading objective.
Casemiro has regressed this season, so much so he could be sold, meaning United could make signing a new midfielder their leading priority.
Fred, Facundo Pellistri, Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Elanga of Manchester United
Man United can give Kobbie Mainoo the perfect partner by replacing £50m star he played with for just an hour.
Among the cluster of midfielders United have been linked with is Atalanta ace Teun Koopmeiners.
The Dutchman, who turned 26 last month, has been closely linked with a move to M16, likewise Liverpool.
He has been on Atalanta’s books since 2021 and has scored 26 goals and registered 12 assists in 112 appearances. Of those respective tallies, 12 goals and four assists have been recorded this season.
Amid such impressive numbers, it is hardly surprising he is being linked with such prestigious clubs. And such links have prompted the midfielder to admit he would like to leave Atalanta in this summer’s window, citing England as a realistic destination.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf during the international break, Koopmeiners said:
“I have told Atalanta that I want to make a move next summer, but there has to be something really nice to swap that for Atalanta just like that. My girlfriend and I are having a great time in Italy, but for some clubs in England, I’ll put up with the rain.
“I hope there will be nice options I can think about, and then I hope Atalanta receive a nice amount for me, because I will have had a wonderful time there.”
Despite the midfielder, who missed the Netherlands’ 2-1 defeat to Germany on Tuesday night through injury, outlining his desire to leave Atalanta in the summer, the Italian club’s director, Luca Percassi, has claimed he has not requested to leave, nor do Atalanta need to sell him.
“This club is solid and does not need to sell,” he told L’Eco di Bergamo. “Koopmeiners has not been sold to Juve, nor anyone else. In fact, he never asked us to be sold.”
Perhaps using the international break to put his face in the shop window, Koopmeiners is said to be attracting plenty of interest.
Atalanta are currently sixth in Serie A and seven points shy of the Champions League places, meaning they are still in with a chance of securing qualification for Europe’s premier club competition next season.
Atalanta have competed in the Europa League this season and face Liverpool in the quarter-finals next month. Naturally, Koopmeiners will no doubt be keen to secure a move to a club that can offer him Champions League football.
Currently, United are outsiders to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
They are sixth in the standings, nine points shy of fourth, though a fifth-placed finish could be enough this term.