During the recent summer transfer window, Steven Bergwijn was a prominent name on Leicester City’s radar. However, the Dutch winger, instead of joining the King Power Stadium, made a £17.6 million move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Ittihad. This unexpected transfer has not only shifted his club career but also affected his standing with the Dutch national team.
Initially, there was significant speculation about Bergwijn potentially moving to Leicester City, especially as reports from the Netherlands indicated that the King Power Stadium was a probable destination for the 26-year-old. However, these discussions did not lead to a move. Instead, Bergwijn had to wait until the later stages of the transfer window to finalize his deal to Al-Ittihad, marking a notable shift in his career trajectory.
The trend of high-profile players moving to the Middle East has become more common in recent years, but it raises questions about the competitive level of these leagues. This has implications for players’ international careers, as seen with recent cases. For instance, Ivan Toney, who recently transferred to Al-Ahli, was left out of the England squad for the Nations League matches despite his strong performances in the European Championship.
The impact of such transfers on national team selections has been highlighted by Dutch coach Ronald Koeman’s recent comments on Bergwijn. Koeman was blunt about the situation, stating that Bergwijn’s move to Saudi Arabia reflects a lack of sporting ambition. Consequently, Koeman declared that Bergwijn’s future with the Dutch national team is over, making it clear that he views this move as a step away from competitive football.
In response to the changing dynamics of their squad, Leicester City opted for other attacking reinforcements. They secured Jordan Ayew for £5 million, which could rise to £8 million, and also brought in Bilal El Khannouss and Odsonne Edouard in the final days of the transfer window. These additions were part of a strategic move to strengthen their squad, possibly in response to the shifting landscape of player transfers and their impact on team performance and international prospects.
The decision of whether Steven Bergwijn would have been a valuable addition for Leicester City remains a topic for debate among fans and analysts. As the football world adjusts to these new trends, the impact on players’ careers and national team selections continues to unfold, shaping the future of international and club football alike.