Steven Bergwijn has completed a transfer from Tottenham to Ajax worth €31.25m (£26.5m)
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Steven Bergwijn has left the club to join Ajax on a permanent deal. The contract with Ajax is worth €31.25m and the duration is for five years. This is the most expensive transfer in the history of the Eredivisie. This sale is believed to be a step in the right direction of squad trimming that Antonio Conte is carrying out at White Hart Lane.
Steven Bergwijn arrived at Tottenham from PSV Eindhoven in 2020. He was an integral player for Jose Mourinho in his time at Spurs. However, Bergwjin has struggled to nail down a starting role unde Antonio Conte. He has played as a substitute, mostly for Lucas Moura and has failed to break into the starting XI under Conte. The arrival of Dejan KUlusevski meant he was pushed further down the pecking order. Moreover, the arrivial of Richarlison was the final nail in the proverbial coffin. Bergwjin had to move out to find regular game time.
Bergwijn returns to his homeland after a spell of two and a half year in the Premier League. Bergwjin return to Ajax where he played in the youth system from 2005 to 2011. He spent a further eight years in PSV Eindhoven before making a move to Tottenham Hotspurs.
Ajax was the most suitable destination for the Dutchman
Several reports had linked Bergwijn with a move to Manchester United. However, Netherlands boss Louis Van Gaal urged the attacker to return to Amsterdam ‘As soon as possible’. Speaking to the media post Netherland’s 4-1 demolition of Belgium, Van Gaal said:
“I want him (Bergwijn) to go to Ajax as soon as possible. Tottenham don’t give him enough playing minutes and that is unbelievable when you see his qualities.” Bergwijn has been Ajax’s priority since January. Alfred Schreuder, Ten Hag’s successor at Ajax has waxed lyrical about the player.
“It is indicative of Steven’s ambition that he chose to make the step to Ajax. He is a player with many qualities. He has enormous drive and is also very goal-oriented. Of course, I am happy that we were able to sign him – he adds new quality to our team.” said Schreuder.
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