Spalletti’s long pursuit of Koopmeiners: From missed Napoli move to Juventus revival | OneFootball

Recovering Teun Koopmeiners is one of Juventus’ top priorities. After spending just under €60 million (including bonuses) in the summer of 2024, the Bianconeri are working to restore the confidence of a midfielder who lost his way, and not entirely through fault of his own.

Luciano Spalletti has started deploying him as a left-sided defensive centre-back with freedom to build from deep, a role far more suited to his skill set than the rotation of unsuitable positions he endured under his predecessor.

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Teun Koopmeiners of Juventus is challenged by Francisco Trincao of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

After the Juventus-Sporting match, even Koopmeiners himself admitted that playing as a winger in place of Conceição was “not his natural role.”

Spalletti wanted Koopmeiners at Juventus

The backstory goes back to 2021. Only a few months into his spell at Napoli, Spalletti had identified Koopmeiners as his top midfield target. AZ Alkmaar demanded around €15 million, with no deferred payment options.

Napoli were unwilling to meet those terms, pushing instead for a loan without obligation to buy.

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Juventus looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Juventus and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Juventus Stadium on November 04, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

Atalanta stepped in, paying €14 million plus a future sell-on clause and sealing the deal on August 30, 2021, just one day before Napoli announced André-Frank Zambo Anguissa on loan from Fulham with an option to buy for roughly the same amount.

Anguissa proved an outstanding signing, but if Spalletti had been able to, he would have taken Koopmeiners back then. That’s why now, at Juventus, he’s determined to help the Dutchman finally reach his full potential.