Yahoo Sports Juventus star sought transfer advice from Manchester United star ahead of £50m move
Netherlands international Teun Koopmeiners had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League but opted to sign for Juventus in the summer.
One club linked with a swoop for Koopmeiners was Manchester United. It was during the period that United were linked with every Dutch player on the market due to the fact Erik ten Hag was still manager.
The 26-year-old has revealed Matthijs de Ligt offered him transfer advice before joining Juventus from Atalanta for a reported fee of £50.3 million in the summer.
Koopmeiners had gone on record before his move to admit he would be keen to experience playing in England.
United were not the only Premier League club linked with the Dutch international. Chelsea and Liverpool were believed to have been admirers but no deals materialised.
In an interview with Italian outlet Tutto Sport, Koopmeiners revealed that prior to completing the move to Juve, he sought advice from De Ligt since he previously played for the Serie A giants.
“I had never been here but I knew the history of the club and I had played against them,” Koopmeiners said. “Let’s say that when I arrived, I saw first-hand that everything I knew and that De Ligt had told me was true: from the services to the facilities, to the kindness of the people.
“Really fantastic. Here at Juve everything is beautiful: on the first day I felt like I was living a dream.”
Koopmeiners continued by stressing it has always been a dream of his to play for Juventus, despite previously stating he would be interested to play for a Premier League club.
“I repeat, I have worked to be here since I was little: I had told my girlfriend many times in the past that my goal would be to become a Juventus player and I did it.
“Among other things, living in Italy, my admiration for Juventus has also grown, so now I am very happy here.”
Matthijs de Ligt adjusting to English game
Even though De Ligt is still adapting his game to Premier League standards, United’s defence has improved tenfold since his arrival.
It will take time for him to familiarise himself with his new team-mates and they all need to learn a new system under head coach Ruben Amorim.
I have no doubt in my mind that De Ligt will play a key role under Amorim. I have been impressed by his performances so far.
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