‘We will investigate’- Erik Ten Hag comes clean on huge Tottenham, Ajax transfer deal
The prospect of Steven Bergwijn departing Tottenham in January have significantly increased amid some very telling comments made by Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag.
The winger was a £26.7m signing under Jose Mourinho in January 2020, making an immediate impact by scoring in a win against Manchester City. Sadly, that was about as good as it got for the Dutchman. Indeed, a plethora of different managers have not exactly helped Bergwijn adjust to life in the Premier League.
Indeed, his record of four goals in 60 appearances for Spurs makes for difficult reading. And with just three minutes of action under Antonio Conte, the writing looks to be on the wall for Bergwijn.
As such, he looks to be the first major casualty of the Italian’s era at Tottenham. To that end, reports on Monday explained how is emerging as a potential transfer option for Ajax.
And with the winger struggling to impress at Spurs, journalist Mike Verweij, speaking on De Telegraaf’s podcast, has detailed just how much contempt Conte has for Bergwijn.
“That interest in Bergwijn has been made known. Conte does not see it in him at all. Conte is also the one who opposed the winger’s transfer from PSV to Italy. Inter were an interested club at the time, but Conte did not need him,” he said, via Sport Witness.
Cold shoulder treatment
“Conte has only said two words to Bergwijn in two weeks at Tottenham Hotspur. That’s why Ajax can consider him, but first Ajax will have to sell [David] Neres.”
Speaking for the first time about Bergwijn, Ten Hag admits they are looking into the possibility of a deal.
“I may repeat myself, but we want to improve,” he said via SoccerNews. “If there is an option for that, we will investigate it.
“Whether we also investigate Bergwijn’s situation? We investigate everything. We are professionals.”
Bergwijn to join Ajax on initial loan
Those comments certainly increase the possibility of a move to Ajax for Bergwijn. Indeed, reports claim Ajax will look to sign him on an initial loan with a view to a permanent summer deal.
Despite this, Verweij claims that talks between Ajax and Spurs are already well advanced.
“That is the reason that Ajax is busy with Brobbey and also fully committed to Bergwijn. This is simply not good enough,” Verweij added.
“I think they only want to loan this season, that applies also for Bergwijn. Ajax had very bad figures last year, also because of Corona.”
Ten Hag went on to explain that while he can’t guarantee anyone a starting spot at Ajax, he has made it clear that a move to the Dutch giants could allow Bergwijn to rediscover “the fun in football”. He then further hinted at a move by imploring Bergwijn to “take up the challenge”.
READ MORE: Conte reveals Tottenham talks that will decide Hugo Lloris future
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