Ronald Koeman confirms Steven Bergwijn’s International career is over after Saudi transfer

After relocating to Saudi Arabia, Ronald Koeman, the manager of the Netherlands, informed a prominent player that his international career was ending. The 26-year-old forward Steven Bergwijn left Ajax on Monday to join Al Ittihad of the Saudi Pro League. The cost for the Dutch powerhouses is estimated to be about €21 million (£17.6m).

Although Steven Bergwijn was a member of the Netherlands team that advanced to the Euro 2024 semifinals, manager Ronald Koeman made the choice not to include the forward in his starting lineup for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games. After relocating to Saudi Arabia, Koeman has now angrily informed Bergwijn that his international career is done.

During the press conference held earlier today, Koeman said, "Steven Bergwijn goes to Saudi Arabia at age 26. It's clear that this has nothing to do with sportive ambition. His book with the Dutch National Team is closed. He probably knows what I would have said this."

“Frenkie de Jong’s situation is worrying” : Ronald Koeman

The Netherlands national team's coach, Ronald Koeman, has voiced his worries over Frenkie de Jong's present circumstances. De Jong is still not totally fit after having been out of commission for a while. Koeman along with the national team are concerned about this, particularly because De Jong is a vital player whose absence might affect the squad.

According to Koeman, De Jong continues to be coping with an ongoing ankle problem. He has sustained a similar injury three times during quick succession, so it is not a one-time issue. This recurrence suggests that his ankle may have some underlying damage that is not healing as quickly as anticipated. De Jong's condition has shown some signs of improvement, but he is still not well enough to resume full training or play in games.

The former FC Barcelona manager said, “Frenkie de Jong’s situation is worrying, because it’s a long time he’s been out for. I understand that things are getting better and better, but he’s not fully fit yet. He has suffered an annoying ankle injury three times in a row. There’s damage and it takes time to recover. That takes a long time, but let’s hope he recovers completely. That’s good for us too.”