Atalanta is making headlines with significant updates as they approach a crucial period. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed Teun Koopmeiners’ move to Juventus and highlighted the imminent deal for Marc Pubill from Almería. Meanwhile, Gasperini has expressed concerns about his team’s competitiveness, warning that they are “much less competitive” compared to the end of last season as they gear up for a tough Super Cup clash against Real Madrid.
Atalanta Manager Gives Important News on Koopmeiners for Juventus
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has shared important news about Teun Koopmeiners‘ future amid rumors of a move to Juventus. In an interview with Eco di Bergamo, Gasperini confirmed that the Dutch midfielder wants to join the Bianconeri.
Additionally, the Atalanta manager revealed that Koopmeiners has a verbal agreement with Juventus. The former AZ Alkmaar playmaker reportedly missed Atalanta’s training session on Wednesday as he seeks to finalize his move to Thiago Motta’s team before the end of the summer transfer window.
“He has decided to go to Juventus. He already has an agreement. He no longer wants to train with us,” Gasperini said. “He will stay out: the club feels blackmailed by this situation. “
Gasperini and Koopmeiners reportedly had a confrontation during Tuesday’s training, raising the chances of the 26-year-old’s swift move to Juventus. Despite acquiring players like Douglas Luiz and Khéphren Thuram this summer, Thiago Motta is eager to add the left-footed midfielder to his squad.
Juventus are eager to sign the Atalanta star following Adrien Rabiot’s departure. The French midfielder rejected the club’s contract offer after returning from EURO 2024. After leaving the Allianz Stadium as a free agent after five years, Juventus has stepped up its efforts to secure Koopmeiners.
Although recent rumors have hinted that the Dutch star’s move to Juventus might falter, this latest development could speed up the deal between Atalanta and the Bianconeri. Gasperini is unlikely to retain an unhappy player, which enhances Juventus’ chances of finalizing their protracted pursuit of the Netherlands international.
Atalanta is close to finalizing a deal for Marc Pubill from Almería
Atalanta is about to finalize a major signing by acquiring Marc Pubill, a talented right-back from Almería. The €16 million deal is nearly complete, but the Spanish club must give its final approval before Pubill can undergo his medical tests.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Italian club has been working to bolster its defense, and Pubill, also a Roma target, is a perfect fit.
The negotiations have moved quickly, and further talks between the clubs are set for tomorrow to finalize the transfer details.
The deal is expected to be finalized by the weekend, enabling Pubill to join Atalanta in time for the start of the upcoming season.
Gasperini warns that Atalanta will be “much less competitive” in their upcoming Super Cup match against Real Madrid
Gian Piero Gasperini openly expressed his frustration with Atalanta’s summer transfer strategy, asserting that his team is “much less competitive” than at the end of last season. This criticism comes just days before their UEFA Super Cup match against Real Madrid.
The Atalanta coach announced that star playmaker Teun Koopmeiners has chosen to join Juventus and will no longer be training with the first team for the foreseeable future.
La Dea has also been hit hard by injuries. Italy internationals Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini both face extended absences due to cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. They are expected to be out for a significant portion of the 2024-25 season.
Atalanta does have a medical appointment scheduled for Thursday for Azzurri striker Mateo Retegui. The club finalized an agreement with Genoa on Wednesday evening, likely following Gasperini’s interview with l’Eco di Bergamo.
The club also welcomed Ben Godfrey this summer, Nicolo Zaniolo on loan from Galatasaray, Ibrahim Soulemana from Cagliari, and the permanent acquisition of Charles De Ketelaere following his loan spell last season.
Gasperini: “Atalanta is Far Less Competitive Now Than at the End of Last Season”
Gasperini cautioned that the current Atalanta team is in worse condition, especially considering their injuries than when they defeated the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final last May.
“It’s inevitable that it’s turned out like this, but at this moment, the season has already become complicated,” Gasperini said.
“We’ve had two very serious injuries, two cruciate ligaments in practically three games with Scalvini and Scamacca. And then the Koopmeiners situation. Three technically gifted and economically valuable players for the team and club.”
He hopes to secure additional signings before the end of the month, especially with a significant match against Real Madrid scheduled for next week.
“It’s been a market where things haven’t gone as we’d expected. We hope that some things can happen before August 31.”
“Honestly, I’d hoped to find myself going into a game as important as the European Super Cup with more of a defined and settled team, having improved with new additions after the Europa League final victory. “
“But instead, at this moment, we are down to the minimum, even if I am sure that the club will provide in some way before the end of August.”
Gasperini also highlighted the challenging start Atalanta faces in the 2024-25 Serie A season.
“But in the meantime, we have a friendly tomorrow, the Super Cup next Wednesday, and three away games in the first three matches in the league, with a team that is much less competitive than it was at the end of last season.”
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