Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman has ruled out Steve Bergwijn for selection due to his recent transfer to the Saudi Pro-League.
The 26-year-old forward joined Al-Ittihad from Ajax for £17.7 million in August.
Koeman expressed his disapproval of Bergwijn’s decision, stating, “When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial.” He emphasized that while he respects the player’s choice, he personally would not have made a similar move.
In addition to Bergwijn, Memphis Depay, who is currently a free agent, has also been excluded from the Dutch squad.
Koeman cited Depay’s lack of club football as the primary reason for his omission.
The Netherlands will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Eindhoven on Saturday.
Koeman also confirmed that midfielders Marten de Roon and Georginio Wijnaldum are unlikely to be selected in the future.
However, captain Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the national team until at least the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Koeman met with Van Dijk in Liverpool to discuss his plans and expressed his confidence in the defender’s continued contributions.
