Ronald Koeman Excludes Steven Bergwijn from National Team

Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands national football team manager, has officially ruled Steven Bergwijn out of future selections following his recent transfer to Saudi club Al-Ittihad from Ajax. Koeman expressed disappointment, asserting that at 26, players should prioritize sporting ambitions over financial incentives, remarking that Bergwijn's decision reflects a lack of sporting intent. This move, finalized for approximately €21 million, ends Bergwijn's impactful two-year stint with Ajax, during which he scored 29 goals and provided 12 assists. Koeman emphasized that Bergwijn's transfer differs from Georginio Wijnaldum's move to Al-Ettifaq, as Wijnaldum's situation was driven by necessity after struggling at Paris Saint-Germain. Koeman believes Bergwijn's choice implies a closure on his international career, stating, 'the book is basically closed to him.' Meanwhile, Koeman confirmed that he has had discussions with Virgil van Dijk about his commitment to the national team ahead of the upcoming Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.