Koeman’s Disappointment with Bergwijn’s Transfer
So, here’s the latest on the transfer front involving Ajax Amsterdam and their former player, Steven Bergwijn. The news hit recently that Bergwijn has signed a significant deal worth €25 million ($27.6 million) to join Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. This move has sparked quite a reaction from Netherlands’ national team manager Ronald Koeman.
Koeman has openly criticized Bergwijn’s decision, expressing that he believes Bergwijn is choosing financial gain over his sporting ambitions. In his view, this decision contrasts sharply with the situation of Georginio Wijnaldum, who left PSG for Al Ettifaq in September 2023 due to a specific issue at his former club.
A Question of Priorities
Koeman feels that at the age of 26, a player should be more focused on their career development and less on financial rewards. He notes that players make personal choices, but he firmly believes that sporting goals should take precedence, especially when one is still in the prime of their career. In his opinion, if Bergwijn had other top European options, he might not have chosen to move to Saudi Arabia.
Bergwijn’s New Chapter
Bergwijn is set to join a squad under the guidance of Laurent Blanc at Al Ittihad, which features notable players like N’Golo Kanté, Karim Benzema, and Fabinho. This team promises to offer a different kind of challenge and opportunity compared to his previous stint at Ajax.
Koeman points out that Bergwijn had other options, like staying with Ajax, where he was reportedly well-compensated. However, Bergwijn’s choice was clear, and it’s now affecting his chances with the Netherlands team. Koeman has hinted that Bergwijn’s international career might be on hold, noting that he hasn’t been in touch about this decision.
Van Dijk’s Commitment
On a more positive note, there’s good news about captain Virgil van Dijk. Koeman confirmed that Van Dijk has committed to playing for the Netherlands through the 2026 World Cup. Koeman himself traveled to Liverpool to discuss Van Dijk’s future and gauge his readiness to continue at the highest level. The discussion assured Koeman that Van Dijk remains dedicated and focused on contributing to the team.
In summary, while Bergwijn’s move to Saudi Arabia has generated significant discussion and criticism from Koeman, the future looks bright for Van Dijk and the Dutch national team. As we reflect on these developments, it’s clear that both individual choices and team commitments are crucial in shaping the landscape of international football.
