“This is brutal”- Fans divided as Ronald Koeman BANISHES Steven Bergwijn from national team as player makes Saudi transfer at 26
Fans were divided in their opinions as Ronald Koeman grilled Steven Bergwijn for not staying in Europe and rather moving to Al-Ittihad.
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Steven Bergwijn has responded to Ronald Koeman after his comments on the former (Via BBC and X/@centregoals)
Saudi Arabia has become the go to destination for players at the latter stages of their career. From N’Golo Kante to Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, several big name players have been lured to the Saudi Pro League and the Middle East in general. From extravagant salaries to lucrative contracts, the perks are many.
However, social media has been divided on the increasing trend of relatively young players also jumping ship to the SPL and other Leagues. Recently, Dutch forward Steven Bergwijn put pen to paper with Al-Ittihad after playing in the Eredivisie his entire life.
While a few argue that a player has the right to secure his future by chasing the ‘bag’, others claim that staying in Europe is the right decision. As for Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, his feelings on the same were as clear as daylight.
It's clear that he has nothing to do with sporting ambition. His book with the Dutch national team is closed. He probably knows I would have said this.Ronald Koeman told the press
Koeman stated that the 26-year-old should have stayed at Ajax instead of choosing Saudi at such a ‘young’ age.
Fans react as Steven Bergwijn moves to the SPL
Cristiano Ronaldo‘s move to the Saudi Pro League changed the footballing landscape drastcally. From Neymar Jr. to Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney, several players have made big-money moves to the Saudi Arabian League at relatively young ages.
As Bergwijn followed suit at 26, fans were divided in their opinion of the same. While a supporter claimed that he would’ve done the same had he got €9 million, others argued that no player passionate about the game will leave Europe so early.
Many seemed to agree with Koeman and mentioned what former Real Madrid man Toni Kroos had to say about the same. The German expressed his disappointment at Gabri Veiga, a young Spanish talent joining Al-Ahli at just 22. A fan commented that Koeman contradicted himself and that his statement made no sense.
It is however, important to note that Georginio Wijnaldum was called up for the 2024 Euros and started two games despite him playing in Saudi. While it could be argued that Saudi does play a huge role in altering the sporting landscape in Europe, the decision to play in any League ultimately rests on the player. Bergwijn left Ajax on a €21 million fee and will join the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
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Sherwin Shaju
(1306 Articles Published)