La Gazzetta dello Sport report Juventus are aiming to strengthen their midfield with the funds saved from the departure of Paul Pogba and invest in Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners. the newspaper claim that ‘In Juventus’s plans, the true heir to Paul Pogba will be Teun Koopmeiners’ – The Dutch midfielder, previously sounded out in January, remains the primary target for the Bianconeri to elevate the midfield’s level in anticipation of their return to top-tier European competitions.
Gazzetta suggest that partly due to the savings linked to the early departure of the Frenchman, partly due to the funds guaranteed by the Super Champions League and potential qualification for the 32-team Club World Cup, and partly due to the proceeds from some sales: the impression is that the restructuring of the Bianconeri midfield will be substantial.
Koopmeiners tops the list – the most intriguing prospect – but he might not be alone in the midfield overhaul. Especially if Adrien Rabiot, currently with a contract expiring in June, decides to seek a move away from Turin. In recent days, the former PSG player has hinted remaining with the Old Lady (“I would like to win more titles here,” he said after reaching the milestone of 200 matches in black and white), but the idea is to address the issue only at the end of the season.
According to the report, the strategy being studied at Continassa is to gift Koopmeiners to Massimiliano Allegri, who values him as much as Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli, Gasperini’s protege. The suggestion is that Juventus will sacrifice Matias Soulé to finance at least part of the assault on Koop – The Argentine playmaker, already in double figures in the league, is making the most of his loan at Frosinone. In January, Juventus received a €30 million proposal from the Arabs of Al Ittihad. However, Soulé wants to stay in Europe. Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and Southampton have been following him for months, but Atalanta is also pondering. Directly or indirectly, thanks to Soulé, Juventus could pay at least €35 of the €50-55 million plus bonuses projected for Koopmeiners.
The value of Lewis Ferguson from Bologna is also on the rise, attracting interest from several top Italian clubs and several English clubs. In recent days, Juventus executives met with Italian intermediaries of the Scottish midfielder in Milan to get an update on Thiago Motta’s total midfielder situation. Ferguson’s future will also depend on Bologna’s potential qualification for the Champions League. Juventus, as of now, is keeping a close watch. The 24-year-old former Aberdeen player – with 5 goals in Serie A and a valuation around €25 million – could become an alternative to Koopmeiners (already with 10 goals between league and cups) or even complement the Dutchman in the event of Rabiot’s departure.
