Rio Ferdinand has claimed ‘it hasn’t worked out’ for Steven Bergwijn at Tottenham ahead of his rumoured exit to Ajax, as he told Vibe with Five.
Manchester United have a new boss in their dugout – Erik ten Hag – he won the Dutch title with Ajax last season, so it’s understandable that he is fishing in that market for new players in his new role.
Over the years, players like Luis Suarez have come over from the Eredivisie and absolutely torn it up, but equally, some like Sebastien Haller struggled like crazy.
When discussing Dutch players in the Premier League over the years, specifically those who have come straight from the league itself, talk turned to whether those transfers worked.
Ferdinand dropped Bergwijn’s name as one that hasn’t for Tottenham, as he was trying to make the point that it’s a ‘risk’ from Manchester United to be fishing in the market to refresh their squad.
“Bergwijn hasn’t worked out, Bergwijn hasn’t worked out,” Ferdinand repeated. “I am not saying the Dutch league is a terrible league.
“All I am saying, if you are going to get all the players from the Dutch league, then it’s a risk in that sense. Spreading it out, that works.
“Some Dutch players work straight from the Dutch league, look at Luis Suarez and Ruud van Nistelrooy over the years, so it does happen.”
BERGWIJN HEADING TO AJAX
The issue with Bergwijn is that he has been explosive in moments, but not consistent enough to earn those regular starts for Spurs.
That’s why he is headed out of the exit door and back to Holland for £26 million, with Dejan Kulusevski pushing ahead of him following his transfer in January, as well as new boy, Richarlison.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if he finds that consistent form at Ajax because he is playing in a lesser league and it will suit his style.
Either way, Spurs have done well to recoup most of the money they initially paid for the player, as they will now prepare for a return to Champions League football next season.
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