A business professional's trade activities potentially cost them a slot in the national team.
Al-Ittihad versus Ajax Amsterdam, Saudi Arabia versus the Netherlands. Steven Bergwijn opts for a shift to the desert. Consequently, he bids farewell to the national squad. Coach Ronald Koeman is taken aback and dismisses the 26-year-old.
The Saudi Arabian move brings substantial profits for Steven Bergwijn, however, it comes at the cost of his career with the Dutch national football team. At a press conference, Koeman stated, as reported by "Telegraaf", that "he practically closed the book on him" and was surprised by Bergwijn's decision.
"He should have anticipated my reaction. Steven Bergwijn is heading to Saudi Arabia at 26. There's no denying that it has nothing to do with sporting aspirations," said Koeman: "At his age, sports expertise should be the deciding factor, not financial gains."
On Monday, Bergwijn, a 35-time Dutch national team player, transferred from Ajax Amsterdam to Al-Ittihad for approximately 21 million euros. The club had previously signed Mousa Diaby from Leverkusen, who was last with Aston Villa, for an astounding 60 million. Bergwijn had lost his starting position at Ajax. Technical director Alex Kroes had confirmed that Bergwijn "made no secret of his intention to switch if a decent offer arrived from abroad."
"I wouldn't have made that choice"
Bergwijn made his debut for the national team in 2018. He was a member of the squad for the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship. He started for the Netherlands in the round of 16 and quarter-finals. Koeman did not select Bergwijn for the upcoming Nations League matches. "Couldn't Bergwijn have stayed at Ajax instead?" asked Koeman: "I'm quite certain they offer attractive salaries too. At his age, I wouldn't have made that choice."
Koeman looks at the circumstances surrounding Georginio Wijnaldum, who also plays in Saudi Arabia - at Al-Ettifaq - differently. He named Wijnaldum, who transitioned in September 2023, to the European Championship squad despite the transfer. Wijnaldum went to Saudi Arabia to seek more playing time after falling out of favor at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Netherlands, who lost to England in the semi-finals of the European Championship in Germany, will commence their new Nations League campaign on Saturday in Eindhoven against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Three days later, the Dutch team will face Germany in Amsterdam.
Due to his transfer to Al-Ittihad, Steven Bergwijn is no longer eligible for the Dutch national team, leading to Coach Koeman's disappointment. At a press conference, Koeman expressed his surprise at Bergwijn's decision, stating, "He should have anticipated my reaction."
Bergwijn's move to Saudi Arabia raises questions about his career choices, with Koeman stating, "At his age, sports expertise should be the deciding factor, not financial gains."
