In a significant move that has sent ripples through the football world, Dutch club Ajax has confirmed the transfer of attacker Steven Bergwijn to the Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad for a fee of €21 million. The deal was completed just before the transfer window closed for clubs in both countries, marking a new chapter in Bergwijn’s career.
Ajax’s technical director, Alex Kroes, made the announcement official, stating, Steven and Ajax have made no secret of the fact that if a good offer came from abroad, he would make the move. That has now happened at the last minute, giving the club the necessary financial flexibility to hopefully bring in a suitable replacement in the short term.
Bergwijn, who was born and raised in Amsterdam, joined Ajax’s youth academy and went on to become a key player for the first team. His departure to Al-Ittihad is a testament to his growth and development over the years.Ajax had acquired Bergwijn from English club Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2022. His contract with Ajax was set to expire on June 30, 2027. During his tenure with the Amsterdam-based club, Bergwijn appeared in 80 matches and scored 29 goals, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
We have wished our captain from last season much success in the next stage of his career, Kroes added. The club’s decision to part ways with Bergwijn reflects their strategic approach to managing their squad and finances. The €21 million received from Al-Ittihad will provide Ajax with the resources to strengthen their team for the upcoming season.
The transfer of Bergwijn to Saudi Arabia is part of a broader trend in football, where Middle Eastern clubs are increasingly attracting top talent with substantial financial backing. Al-Ittihad, based in Jeddah, is one of the prominent teams in the Saudi Professional League and has been actively bolstering its ranks with high-profile signings.
Bergwijn’s move to Al-Ittihad is not just a change of scenery; it is also a shift to a different football culture. The Saudi Arabian club has been investing heavily in its infrastructure and player阵容, aiming to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in both domestic and international competitions.
The Dutch forward’s departure will no doubt be felt by Ajax, who will now need to find a suitable replacement to fill the void left by Bergwijn’s departure. The club has a history of nurturing young talent and may look to promote from within or explore the transfer market for potential replacements.
For Bergwijn, the transfer represents an exciting new challenge. The 26-year-old attacker will now have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the Saudi Professional League, which has been gaining international attention. With a new team and a new environment, Bergwijn will be looking to make an impact and continue his upward trajectory in football.
Ajax’s fans and management have expressed their gratitude to Bergwijn for his contributions to the club. His departure marks the end of an era for the Amsterdam giants, but also the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the club. As Ajax looks to the future, the €21 million transfer fee will be a crucial component in their strategy to maintain their status as one of the top teams in European football.
In conclusion, the transfer of Steven Bergwijn to Al-Ittihad for €21 million is a significant development in the football world. It underscores the growing influence of Middle Eastern clubs in the global game and highlights Ajax’s commitment to strategic squad management. As Bergwijn embarks on his new journey with Al-Ittihad, fans and football enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new surroundings and what impact he will have in the Saudi Arabian league.
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