Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has announced that he will no longer be selecting Steven Bergwijn for the national team following his move to the Saudi Pro League.
At 26 years old, Bergwijn made a transfer from Ajax to Al-Ittihad for a fee of approximately £17.7 million, marking the end of his time playing in his native country.
Bergwijn, who has also played for PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham, has earned 35 caps for the Netherlands and featured in Euro 2024 this summer.
During a press conference, Koeman stated, “The chapter is essentially closed for him. He is aware of my stance on this matter.
“At 26, your primary ambition should be focused on sports rather than financial gains. These are the decisions that players make.
“I have never been in that situation because I had the opportunity to join Barcelona. Bergwijn could have stayed at Ajax, which isn’t a bad option, right? While you have to respect his decision, personally, I wouldn’t have made the same choice.”
Ronald Koeman did not hesitate 😮
Steven Bergwijn is out! ❌ pic.twitter.com/6FqxC2AdSn
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 3, 2024
The Netherlands will be facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in Eindhoven this Saturday.
Memphis Depay, Marten de Roon, and Georgino Wijnaldum have also been excluded from the squad.
However, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been included, and Koeman revealed that he had a discussion with the defender regarding his future before finalizing the decision.
He added, “It was crucial for me to have a conversation with him, to understand his intentions and commitment at the highest level for the next two years. Van Dijk is determined and focused on continuing his career.
“He acknowledged that he did not perform at the level expected of him during the European Championship.
“As captain, he fulfilled his duties exceptionally. However, he may have exerted too much energy on others rather than on himself.”