Ronald Koeman gave a contrasting view regarding Memphis Depay and his upcoming transfer to Corinthians after calling out Steven Bergwijn on his move to the Saudi Pro League. For the Netherlands coach, the level of the two leagues calls for separate evaluations when it comes to future national team calls.



After the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bergwijn-hits-back-at-dutch-coach-koeman-over-saudi-move/">public dispute</a> with Al-Ittihad’s new striker, Koeman couldn’t escape the questions about Depay’s destination. In his press conference ahead of a Nations League clash against Germany, the 61-year-old continued the beef with the highest coefficient league in Asia.



“I disapproved Bergwijn to Saudi, but the league level in Brazil is different,” <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1833122281150669006" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Koeman said</a>.&nbsp; “Depay can still be part of the national team depending on his fitness and performance level.”



The new format of the Club World Cup, which is in the US next year, can be the real judge for comparing leagues in different continents. As of now, Brazil and Saudi Arabia are leading the way in their respective confederations.&nbsp;



Brazil has nine representatives in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. The different format of the Asian Champions League and the lack of secondary competition until this season prevented Saudi clubs from repeating a similar feat.



<h2>Saudi clubs poached Brazilian youngsters</h2>



This summer’s transfer window would also be a good reflection to see the trend. Thanks to the new rule that allowed clubs two U21 foreigners, Saudi clubs are now competing with European giants to sign Brazilian youngsters.



Al-Ahli brought Brazil’s Olympic team regular Alexsandro (20) from the defending Libertadores champions Fluminense. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr completed the signings of Selecao’s third-choice goalkeeper Bento (25) and highly-rated winger Wesley (19).&nbsp;



With financing from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and peers, Saudi Pro League clubs even convinced some young Brazilians to flee Europe. Marcos Leonardo, Angelo and Joao Costa left teams that will participate in this season’s European competitions to join SPL sides.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240909_WST_527848_Koeman-Netherlands-1200x675_cbed179f.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-527852" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Netherlands-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Netherlands-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Netherlands-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Netherlands-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Netherlands.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



There was also a significant difference if we take a closer look at the presence of star names. From former Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano and Karim Benzema to this summer’s big-name signings Moussa Diaby and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ivan-toney-ruins-his-england-chances-if-he-goes-to-saudi-arabia/">Ivan Toney</a>. The Saudi Pro League is well ahead of its counterpart in Brazil.



Depay will also be challenged with the dismal league form of Corinthians that dates back to last season. Bergwijn is about to play for a team full of superstars. The former Manchester United and Barcelona attacker faces a relegation battle in Brazil.



<h2>Depay is a big figure in the Dutch camp</h2>



Although Koeman didn’t bring it up in his latest presser, Depay is a big presence for Oranjes compared to Bergwijn. The 30-year-old is only four strikes shy of equaling Robin van Persie’s record number of goals.



In contrast, Bergwijn only played 90 minutes in the European championship. The former Ajax winger only played more than half of a soccer game once since the 2022 World Cup.



Even if Koeman keeps the door open for Depay, new blood has already started taking over. Koeman doesn’t need to reevaluate his league preference if his team keeps delivering in the final third.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Koeman evokes debate about Saudi Pro League vs Brasileirão

Ronald Koeman gave a contrasting view regarding Memphis Depay and his upcoming transfer to Corinthians in Brazil.

Koeman evokes debate about Saudi Pro League vs Brasileirão - World Soccer Talk

Steven Bergwijn has hit back at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/netherlands-national-team-tv-schedule/">Netherlands</a> manager Ronald Koeman after the coach heavily criticized his move to Saudi Arabia. Koeman <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41105127/netherlands-boss-koeman-slams-bergwijn-saudi-transfer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">made headlines</a> earlier this week by suggesting that he would not select the winger because of his recent transfer. Bergwijn, 26, has earned 35 international caps with the Netherlands.



On Monday, the attacker joined <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/saudi-pro-league-tv-schedule/">Saudi Pro League</a> side Al-Ittihad from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ajax-tv-schedule/">Ajax</a> in a deal worth around $23 million. Bergwijn was previously a typical starter for the Dutch giants last season and even captained the club. The Dutchman racked up 12 goals and four assists in 24 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/eredivisie-tv-schedule/">Eredivisie</a> matches with Ajax during the 2023/24 season.



Because he received ample playing time at Ajax, Koeman felt the move to the Middle East was solely financially motivated. As a result, the coach excluded Bergwijn from his Netherlands squad to face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/bosnia-and-herzegovina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Bosnia and Herzegovina</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a> this month. The veteran attacker was previously in Koeman’s most recent preliminary roster before the Al-Ittihad deal. 



<h2>Dutch winger says coach never contacted him over situation</h2>



Bergwijn defended his decision to join the Saudi side on Friday and criticized Koeman for a lack of communication in the ordeal. “I don’t even want to play under Koeman anymore,” Bergwijn told Dutch outlet <a href="https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/1562747320/steven-bergwijn-slaat-terug-richting-ronald-koeman-zo-ga-je-niet-met-je-spelers-om" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">De Telegraaf</a>. 



“If he had been a committed national coach, he would have called me first. Now I had to hear about it on TV. I’ve had many beautiful moments with him, so this is far too easy and I’m disappointed with him.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240906_WST_527120_Koeman-Bergwijn-1200x675_ebaec69b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-527152" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Bergwijn-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Bergwijn-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Bergwijn-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Bergwijn-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Koeman-Bergwijn.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



“I have always considered it an honor to play for Oranje. But under this national coach, I no longer want to do that. With someone who deliberately portrays me like that in the media, I am done. But who knows if there will be a new national coach in the future.”



“I will never close the door. And I will only support my teammates at Oranje, just as they do with me. I have only received good messages from the internationals after my transfer. Everyone is happy for me. That is how it can be.”



<h2>Bergwijn played for the Netherlands in last two major tournaments</h2>



Bergwijn has mostly been a key player for the Netherlands national team since the fall of 2021. The attacker previously featured at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under former manager Louis van Gaal. The Netherlands was beaten by eventual winners <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/argentina-national-team-tv-schedule/">Argentina</a> in the quarterfinals. He then also started two matches during the recent Euro 2024 competition as well. Koeman hooked Bergwijn at halftime in both of these games.



The Dutch attacker will now play with several global stars at Al-Ittihad. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, Houssem Aouar, and Moussa Diaby all currently feature for the club. Along with Bergwijn, the Saudi side brought in both Aouar and Diaby in the most recent transfer window. The team opted to strengthen after a fairly disappointing 2023/24 campaign.



Al-Ittihad is also managed by former France and Paris-Saint Germain manager Laurent Blanc. The Frenchman has guided the Saudi club to wins in each of their first two matches of the current campaign. Bergwijn’s first potential appearance with his new club could come against Al-Wehda. The team is currently led by former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo.



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Bergwijn hits back at Dutch coach Koeman over Saudi move

Steven Bergwijn has hit back at Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman after the coach heavily criticized the player's move to Saudi Arabia.

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Bergwijn hits back at Dutch coach Koeman over Saudi move