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West Ham: Irons ‘definitely’ eyeing Teun Koopmeiners
West Ham United are ‘definitely’ interested in signing Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The lowdown: Hammers linked
Recently, a report from Italian outlet CalcioAtlanta (via Sport Witness) claimed that the Hammers had made an enquiry regarding the availability of Koopmeiners.
However, the Serie A club are believed to view the 24-year-old Netherlands international as ‘almost unsellable’ given his rising importance to the side following a £12.6m switch from AZ Alkmaar last summer.
Now, one well-informed onlooker has shed some further light on the situation, suggesting that although there is a genuine admiration from West Ham, a transfer at this stage seems unlikely…
The latest: ‘Definitely on the radar’
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones – a journalist for Eurosport – has claimed that the nine-cap sensation has multiple suitors and the east Londoners may struggle to get this one over the line.
He said: “I mean, he is definitely on the radar. I just think that it might be a bit too ambitious.
“He’s such a good player, and some of the genuinely top clubs across Europe have been looking at this guy. It’s going to be tough, if I’m totally honest, I just don’t see him joining.”
The verdict: Statement signing
Having missed out on Amadou Onana to Everton earlier in the window, it seems apparent that David Moyes and co are steadfast in their attempts to reinforce the central midfield department at the London Stadium.
Despite already adding Flynn Downes and the returning Conor Coventry to the ranks, the retirement of Mark Noble and the departure of Alex Kral means that the Irons are still depleted when it comes to proven operators at the highest level, with only Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Manuel Lanzini in situ.
Last season, Koopmeiners – who was hailed as ‘world class’ by Twitter account Football Wonderkids in December 2020 – scored four times and provided four assists in 47 appearances across all competitions, playing as a defensive, attacking and conventional midfielder in the process.
That impressive form and versatility would be a welcome addition to Moyes’s options, and although it clearly appears to be an unlikely coup, GSB should be at least attempting to bring the £22.5m-valued Dutchman to east London.
