Newcastle told ‘complete footballer’ they want to sign will cost £60m

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Atalanta have now increased their value of Newcastle United target Teun Koopmeiners and will only consider a summer move.

Newcastle are keen to bring in some new faces in January and have already acquired a list of potential targets, but they may have to wait if they are serious in purchasing one name in particular.

La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that Atalanta are not looking to sell their star man in January, but instead wait until July where they will maximise their profits just as they did with the sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United.

Atalanta holding out for huge sale for Koopmeiners

Koopmeiners has already attracted interest from some top European sides, including Newcastle, after his impressive form for Atalanta since signing for £12.2m from AZ Alkmaar back in 2021.

Liverpool were previously showing interest in making a move for the Dutch international as a potential replacement for Fabinho in the summer. They were looking for a natural defensive midfielder, but found Koopmeiners versatility an attractive asset.

The move never materialised, however the Reds still hold an interest and may still pursue a move in January.

As per the report, Atalanta are hoping to make a similar profit to that of the Hojlund deal. Manchester United were unwilling to pay the full £75m, but eventually had to give in after the Italians refused to back down on their asking price.

Koopmeiners is a ‘complete footballer’

Koopmeiners has received high praise from a number of footballing icons during his time at Atalanta.

The 25-year-old has been described as a ‘complete footballer‘ by former Dutch player and manager Ruud Krol and could be the perfect candidate to take up the role of Sandro Tonali who is suspended until next August.

On the midfielder, Krol said: “Koop is a great player. He has international caliber and is a starter for the Dutch national team: I would certainly see him well in a big team. Juve or Milan? He would certainly be precious to both of them. 

“Koopmeiners can play in all positions in the middle of the pitch: both as a playmaker and as a midfielder. He is a complete footballer who would be useful to all coaches.”

Newcastle are clearly not alone in their interest in the Dutchman and will have to provide a strong offer if they are to persuade Atalanta, who are notoriously tough negotiators, into selling Koopmeiners for anything less than £60m.

It would be a huge statement of intent for Newcastle and it would elevate their midfield to the next level, giving them so much versatility in the middle of the park.