When Steven Bergwijn popped up with a 95th minute equaliser and a 97th minute winner against Leicester in January, it looked as though it may kickstart his Tottenham career.
Antonio Conte spoke to the Dutchman shortly after to confirm his involvement for the rest of the season, and Spurs denied him a move to Ajax that month. Yet just one start came in his side’s remaining 19 fixtures of the Premier League campaign and now Bergwijn, simply, has had enough.
After scoring the opening goal of the Netherlands’ 4-1 thumping of Belgium in their UEFA Nations League group opener on Friday, Bergwijn this weekend publicly expressed his desire to leave north London. Bergwijn said: “I just need to go play. I want to leave Spurs now, that’s for sure."
Speaking to Dutch outlet AD after the victory, Bergwijn added: "Is it important that my new club plays in the Champions League? That’s not my top priority. It would be nice, but what’s important is that I’m going to play.’
“I wasn’t allowed to leave Spurs in the winter and then I didn’t have any problems. But for the last few months, I was hardly looked after there. I want to go and play somewhere weekly. It would be nice if there was clarity soon. My situation now has to be different.”
International football has kept Bergwijn’s season alive and he has scored as many goals for the Netherlands (4) as he did for Tottenham all season. His most recent displays are ensuring he keeps himself in the shop window for any potential suitors.
Did Steven Bergwijn deserve more of a chance under Antonio Conte at Spurs last season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
But there is no doubt that he will have a problem in finding himself a new club because, Tottenham being Tottenham, they won't let him go on the cheap.
Ajax are understood to be leading the race for his signature, but how willing are they to meet Spurs' demands for a player who, having arrived just two years ago from PSV, signed a five-year-deal after completing a move for a fee in the region of £26million.
Bergwijn made the perfect start by scoring on his debut in a 2-0 victory over Manchester City. Yet just seven goals in his next 82 appearances followed, as he struggled to hold down a starting spot under Jose Mourinho and then Conte.
But, only 24, the Dutchman still has plenty of years ahead of him and will look to make the most of them elsewhere. More immediately, he wants to assure himself of a place in the Oranje squad for the World Cup later this year.
