Steven Bergwijn takes jibe at Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman after comments over Saudi Pro League move

Steven Bergwijn has hit back at Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman after closing the doors for the forward in the national team on Friday (Sep 6). Bergwijn, who moved to the Saudi Pro League (SPL) earlier in the month after signing for Al-Ittihad was criticised by Koeman, stating the move is unwanted for a 26-year-old footballer. The spat also saw Koeman publically close the doors for Bergwijn while the winger also now insists that he won’t play for the Dutch manager.

Bergwijn takes jibe at Koeman

"The national coach knows very well that the competition in Saudi Arabia is at a great level. Or are you only allowed to take such a step when you are 32?" Bergwijn questioned.

Bergwijn became the latest hot property in Europe to join the SPL having completed his move from Ajax. Considering the majority of the big-name players are heading to SPL in the twilight of their careers, the move from Bergwijn came as a surprise for many. The former Tottenham Hotspur forward has still got plenty to offer in Europe.

However, according to Koeman, the move to SPL was money-driven and had nothing to do with football.

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"The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this," Koeman said earlier in the week, adding that at 26, Bergwijn should be focusing on his sporting career rather than financial incentives. "When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make," Koeman stated during a press conference.

Bergwijn after his move to SPL was not picked for the ongoing international break as the Netherlands were in action in the Nations League. The Dutch had a productive European campaign where Bergwijn was part of the side. The Netherlands reached the semifinals of the Euro 2024 before Ollie Watkins scored a late winner for England in Dortmund to end their run.