“My book is closed”: Ronald Koeman brutally ends former Spurs star’s career after shock Saudi Arabia move
Steven Bergwijn’s recent transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad has sparked significant controversy, with Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman openly criticizing the winger’s decision.
The 26-year-old, who left Ajax for a €21 million (£17.7 million) deal, has drawn ire from Koeman, who believes the move lacks sporting ambition and has jeopardized Bergwijn’s future with the Dutch national team.
Steven Bergwijn, once a rising star in Dutch football, completed his transfer from Ajax to Al-Ittihad earlier this week. The winger, who made a name for himself by scoring 29 goals and providing 12 assists in 80 appearances for Ajax, decided to leave Amsterdam after two successful years. The move to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) marks a significant shift in Bergwijn’s career trajectory, especially given his previous stints with PSV and Tottenham Hotspur.
At just 26 years old, Bergwijn has already achieved considerable success, including 35 caps for the Netherlands and a notable performance at Euro 2024, where the Dutch team reached the semifinals before being eliminated by England.
Despite his impressive resume, Bergwijn’s decision to join Al-Ittihad has raised eyebrows, particularly from his national team manager.
Ronald Koeman did not mince words when addressing Bergwijn’s transfer. The Netherlands manager expressed his disappointment, stating that the move to Saudi Arabia at such a young age indicates a lack of sporting ambition. Koeman’s remarks suggest that Bergwijn’s decision may have long-term implications for his international career.
“Steven Bergwijn goes to Saudi Arabia at the age of 26,” Koeman remarked during a press conference. “It’s clear that this has nothing to do with sporting ambition. His book with the Dutch National Team is closed.”
Koeman’s harsh critique extended to the fact that Bergwijn did not consult him before making the move. When asked if Bergwijn had discussed the transfer with him, Koeman bluntly responded, “No, he probably knows what I would have said.”
From Ajax’s standpoint, the transfer, though surprising, offers the club a chance to regain some financial flexibility. Ajax technical director Alex Kroes revealed that both the club and Bergwijn were open to a move abroad if a suitable offer came along.
The deal, completed at the last minute, now provides Ajax with the opportunity to seek a replacement before the transfer window closes.
Kroes commented on the situation, saying, “Steven and Ajax have made no secret of the fact that, if a good offer came from abroad, he would make the move. That has now happened at the last minute, giving the club the necessary financial flexibility to hopefully bring in a suitable replacement in the short term.”
Despite Ajax’s pragmatic approach, the loss of their captain from the previous season is a significant blow, and it remains to be seen how the club will adjust to his departure.
Steven Bergwijn now joins a star-studded lineup at Al-Ittihad, including notable players like Karim Benzema, Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, and N’Golo Kante. The team, managed by former France and PSG boss Laurent Blanc, is aiming to improve on their fifth-place finish last season. With two victories already under their belt this season, Al-Ittihad hopes Bergwijn’s addition will further strengthen their squad.
As Bergwijn embarks on this new chapter in his career, his decision to move to the SPL has undoubtedly altered the course of his football journey. While the transfer may offer financial benefits and the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s top talents, it has also cost him the support of his national team manager and potentially his place in the Dutch squad.
Steven Bergwijn’s move to Al-Ittihad has sparked a significant debate about the motivations behind such transfers and the impact on a player’s career. Ronald Koeman’s harsh criticism underscores the potential consequences of prioritizing financial gain over sporting ambition, especially for a player still in the prime of his career.
As Bergwijn adjusts to life in Saudi Arabia, the football world will be watching closely to see how this decision affects both his club and international prospects. While his talent is undeniable, the path he has chosen may lead to challenges that extend beyond the pitch.
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