The situation has taken a turn for the worse for Atalanta as midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has chosen to leave the club for Juventus. Gian Piero Gasperini clarified the scenario in an interview with Eco di Bergamo, revealing that Koopmeiners has decided not to train or play with the team anymore. “He already has an agreement with Juventus and feels stressed,” the Atalanta coach explained. “With this attitude, he cannot be useful to the team or his teammates.” As it stands, it looks unlikely that the Dutch player will feature in the UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid in Warsaw if things do not change in the next few days.
Luca Percassi, Atalanta’s president, has been clear about the situation, stating, “His sale was never in our plans.” Gasperini emphasized that the club has taken a firm stance, feeling somewhat cornered by the current developments. He pointed out that this scenario is different from previous transfers where Atalanta sold players for significant sums. Now, all parties may seek a compromise that the club has tried to avoid for some time.
Gasperini lamented the unfortunate loss of three key players, including Koopmeiners, Scamacca, and Scalvini, who are all sidelined due to serious injuries. “We are at our lowest point,” Gasperini said. “The club will take action, but at this moment, the team is far less competitive than at the end of last season. There are still three situations the club is actively working on.”
Koopmeiners is not the only player potentially leaving; El Bilal Touré, the club’s most expensive signing a year ago, has also expressed his desire to move on. Other players like Toloi and Bakker are in uncertain situations, not featuring prominently for different reasons. “I’m saddened when situations arise involving players like El Bilal or Mitchel, as it creates pressure,” Gasperini remarked. Meanwhile, Djimsiti has opted to stay, rejecting a move to Qatar.