Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has publicly expressed his disapproval of Steven Bergwijn's recent transfer from Ajax to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad. The €25 million ($27.6 million) move has sparked controversy, with Koeman suggesting that Bergwijn prioritized financial gain over his sporting ambitions. As a result, Koeman has indicated that Bergwijn will not be considered for international duty with the Netherlands in the foreseeable future.
A Departure from Sporting Ambition
Koeman's criticism centers on the belief that Bergwijn, at 26 years old, should be focusing on his sporting career rather than financial incentives. The Dutch manager contrasted Bergwijn's decision with that of Georginio Wijnaldum, who moved to Saudi Arabia after encountering difficulties at Paris Saint-Germain. Koeman acknowledged that Wijnaldum's circumstances were different, as he was left with limited options and needed to continue playing. In Bergwijn's case, however, Koeman feels the move was not driven by a desire to develop as a player.
"When you are 26, the main ambition should be sporting, not financial," Koeman said. "But those are choices players make."
The Impact on Bergwijn's International Career
Bergwijn's decision to join Al Ittihad has significantly impacted his chances of continuing his international career. Koeman made it clear that the door to the Dutch national team is essentially closed for Bergwijn as long as he remains in Saudi Arabia. The forward has not reached out to Koeman to discuss the move, suggesting that he is aware of the manager's stance.
"He could have stayed at Ajax," Koeman added. "And I think they pay OK at Ajax too. But yes, it's his choice."
Koeman's disappointment with Bergwijn's decision is palpable, as he believes the forward could have pursued more ambitious sporting opportunities, potentially even at a club like Barcelona. The move to Saudi Arabia, in Koeman's view, indicates a lack of ambition that is not in line with what he expects from players in their prime.
Bergwijn's Response to Koeman's Criticism
Steven Bergwijn did not take Koeman's comments lightly. The former Ajax winger has expressed his frustration with the situation, arguing that the Saudi Pro League is of a good standard and questioning why his move has been treated differently from Wijnaldum's. Bergwijn feels that Koeman should have communicated with him directly rather than making his opinions known through the media.
"I have to learn about it from TV," Bergwijn said. "We've had some good times, but this is the easy way out, and I am disappointed in him."
Bergwijn's disappointment stems from what he perceives as a double standard in Koeman's treatment of players who move to Saudi Arabia. He believes that the Saudi league is competitive and that his move should not automatically disqualify him from international selection.
Virgil van Dijk's Commitment to the Netherlands
While Koeman has been critical of Bergwijn, he has expressed confidence in the continued commitment of Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk. Koeman recently flew to Liverpool to discuss Van Dijk's future with the national team, and the meeting reaffirmed the defender's dedication to representing his country at the highest level.
Koeman acknowledged that Van Dijk did not perform up to his usual standards during the European Championship but praised his leadership as captain. With the World Cup 2026 in sight, Van Dijk is committed to leading the Netherlands in their upcoming campaigns.
Ronald Koeman vs Steven Bergwijn ( Fabrizio Romano's Instagram account)