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Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has excluded forward Steve Bergwijn from the national team for the upcoming Nations League game, citing his recent move to the Saudi Pro-League as the primary reason. Bergwijn, 26, signed with Al-Ittihad from Ajax for £17.7 million, a decision that Koeman openly criticized.
“The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this,” Koeman stated, expressing disappointment that a player of Bergwijn’s age would prioritize financial gain over sporting ambition. Bergwijn, who has earned 35 caps since his debut in 2018, played a significant role for the Netherlands at Euro 2024, where they reached the semi-finals.
Koeman emphasized that at 26, a player’s focus should be on their sporting career rather than financial incentives. “I have never been in that situation, because I could go to Barcelona. He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? You have to respect that choice, but personally I wouldn’t (have moved).”
In addition to Bergwijn, Memphis Depay was also left out of the squad. The 30-year-old winger is currently a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid in June. Koeman explained that Depay’s absence is due to his lack of club affiliation, which has kept him from playing competitive football.
“It’s primarily because he doesn’t have a club. That means you don’t play football and you can’t be with the national team. Memphis is 30, let’s hope he gets a club and gets fit. Then he is still an option for me,” Koeman said.
The Dutch coach also hinted that midfielders Marten de Roon of Atalanta and Georginio Wijnaldum, who recently joined Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, might not be considered for future selection.
However, Koeman confirmed that Liverpool defender and national team captain Virgil van Dijk, 33, has committed his future to the Netherlands team until at least the end of the 2026 World Cup. Koeman had recently flown to Liverpool to discuss Van Dijk’s future, and the defender assured his commitment to the national side.
Koeman acknowledged that Van Dijk had not performed at his usual level during the European Championship but praised his leadership. “As captain, I think he did a great job. But perhaps as a result, he put too much energy into others rather than into himself,” Koeman added.
