Juventus, the Koopmeiners case: a costly surplus and almost impossible to sell. But if he leaves, Kessie could arrive

Koopmeiners was used both in defence, as the outside centre-back in a back three or at left-back or left centre-back in a back four, and in central midfield, with disappointing results in both roles. Last season eventually defined the Dutchman's place and function: luxury backup. A stopgap who cost €54.7 million in transfer fees (€61 million if the bonuses are included). If Bremer was unavailable, Kelly played in the centre and Koop on the left. If one of Locatelli and Thuram was missing, Koop could step into midfield. In effect, a backup. And, in effect, an admission that one of the most expensive transfer deals in Juventus' history had failed. That pattern has also been confirmed by the friendlies Juventus have played in this pre-season: Koopmeiners is not a starter and plays, when needed, in midfield or in defence. And, above all, he is on the market.

In Juventus' 2026-27 squad, Koopmeiners is once again set to be a reserve. But Giovanni Carnevali and Frederic Massara still need to try to sell him. If Juventus are to move Koopmeiners on in this transfer window, now nearing its close, they want either a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy. And they cannot afford to make a capital loss: as stated in the official announcement, the Dutchman was bought in 2024 "for a fee of €51.3 million, payable over four financial years, plus ancillary costs of €3.4 million". Considering that the former AZ Alkmaar player signed a contract until 30 June 2029, the annual amount on the club's books is €10.9 million. In other words, €32.9 million will be needed to avoid a capital loss. Right now, that is a figure it is very difficult to imagine anyone paying, despite some timid interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia both in January and during the summer. Early in this transfer window, Juventus tried to include Koopmeiners in their attempt to sign Mile Svilar from Roma, an approach Roma turned down. Then there was talk of a possible inclusion in the deal that took Jhon Lucumì from Bologna to Juventus. But that also came to nothing. Alongside the transfer fee, his €4.5 million salary is also putting off potential buyers. In effect, only Juventus' decision to let Koopmeiners leave on loan, and not on a permanent deal, could unblock the outgoing market for the Dutch No 8.

As things stand, Koopmeiners is one of the thorniest cases for chief executive Giovanni Carnevali, Massara and Ottolini to solve in the final weeks of the transfer window. The former Atalanta player is effectively surplus to requirements and still carries a significant book value, so it seems extremely complicated to find a solution for him. However, his sale would be crucial to complete the midfield, perhaps with the signing of Franck Kessie on a free transfer.