Newcastle United are going to be looking for a new midfielder this summer, and one of their targets has made it clear that he is going to be available.
The Magpies were heavily linked with signing a midfielder during the January transfer window, but were unable to due to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. There were plenty of rumoured targets, with Amadou Onana the most high profile name domestically.
Ederson from Atalanta was also heavily linked, and Newcastle sent scouts to take a look at the Brazilian. A deal did not materialise, but Ederson is expected to be on Newcastle’s transfer radar again at the end of the season.
And that could also be the case for his Atalanta teammate Teun Koopmeiners. It was reported in Italy in February that the Magpies were showing an interest in the 26-year-old, while he was also named as a possible target by the Chronicle.
Now the Netherlands international has spoke about his future, and has been very open about his desire to join a new club this summer.
Teun Koopmeiners wants to leave Atalanta this summer
Koopmeiners is currently away on international duty, and has spoke to De Telegraaf about wanting to leave Atalanta at the end of the current season.
“I have indicated to Atalanta that I want to make a move this summer,” he said.
“But there must be something very nice to exchange that for Atalanta.
“My girlfriend and I are having a great time in Italy. But I can endure the rain for some clubs in England. I hope there will be great options that I can think about. And then I hope that Atalanta receives a nice amount for me, because I had a wonderful time there.”
Koopmeiners opens the door for Premier League move as Newcastle watch on
Koopmeiners has made it very clear that he would be willing to endure the miserable weather to play in the Premier League.
That could be good news for Newcastle, although a deal for the Dutchman would not be cheap given the fact he has a contract at Atalanta until 2027. It has been reported that he could cost more than £43million, which would make him one of the Magpies’ most expensive signings ever.
He would add goals to the Newcastle midfield
Koopmeiners has shown this season what a brilliant goalscorer he can be. He has found the net 12 times in all competitions, 10 of which have come in Serie A.
In contrast, Newcastle United’s current highest scoring centre-midfielder is Sean Longstaff, who has found the net on six occasions in all competitions this season.
That ability to score from midfield is something that could majorly appeal to Eddie Howe, as he looks to ease the pressure on his forwards.
But whether he ends up being a major target for Newcastle remains to be seen. In truth, someone like his teammate Ederson feels much more likely at this moment in time.
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