Tottenham Hotspur and Premier League misfit Steven Bergwijn has agreed a five-year deal with Eredivisie champions Ajax and could undergo a medical today, as reported by De Telegraaf.
The Dutch international started a grand total of one league game after his stoppage-time heroics at Leicester City in January. And, with Ivan Perisic and Richarlison arriving from Inter Milan and Everton respectively, Bergwijn continues to fall further and further down Antonio Conte’s pecking order.
So while a return to the Netherlands may feel like something of a backwards step, Bergwijn will know deep down that his World Cup hopes might not survive four months on the Tottenham bench. Clearly, Louis van Gaal is in no mood to overlook a lack of action at club level.
Just ask Gini Wijnaldum.
Steven Bergwijn agrees to leave Tottenham for Ajax
Fortunately, one of this year’s longest running transfer sagas is nearing a conclusion. De Telegraaf claim that Ajax and Tottenham finally reached an agreement regarding Bergwijn on Sunday night. The former PSV Eindhoven talisman – who is valued by Spurs at £22 million – will sign a contract until 2027.
What’s more, Ajax are hoping that Bergwijn will arrive for his medical tests before the close of play on Monday.
The spring-heeled winger actually started his career at Ajax without making a first-team appearance. He will return as the club’s new record signing, the Dutch giants freeing up funds via Sebastien Haller’s impending £33 million switch to Borussia Dortmund.
Bergwijn had been linked with a move to Everton last week. A deal that would see the 24-year-old become a de-facto replacement for Richarlison on the left-hand side of Frank Lampard’s attack.
According to De Telegraaf, however, Bergwijn had no qualms about turning down Everton’s advances. He wants Champions League football and Ajax – Eredivisie winners again in 2021 – can offer him that.
“I wasn’t allowed to leave Spurs in the winter and then I didn’t have any problems,” Bergwijn told AD in June. “But for the last few months, I was hardly looked after there. I want to go and play somewhere every week.
“It would be nice if there was clarity soon.”
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