Football Clubs
Club Profiles
Al-Ittihad: One of the most successful and iconic clubs in Saudi Arabian football, Al-Ittihad is based in Jeddah and plays in the country’s top division, the Saudi Professional League. With a rich history spanning over eight decades, the club has won the Saudi league title a remarkable 8 times, making them one of the most decorated teams in the nation. Known for their passionate fan base and fierce rivalries, Al-Ittihad have established themselves as a dominant force in Middle Eastern football.
Ajax: Hailing from the vibrant city of Amsterdam, Ajax is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and successful clubs in European football. With an unparalleled legacy, the club has won a staggering 36 Eredivisie titles, 20 KNVB Cups, and 4 UEFA Champions League trophies, cementing their status as a true giant of the game. Known for their commitment to youth development and their distinctive total football philosophy, Ajax have produced some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Player Transfers
Bergwijn: The latest high-profile signing for Al-Ittihad is Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn, who has made the move from Eredivisie champions Ajax. The 26-year-old Netherlands international has agreed to join the Saudi club, with Ajax receiving a transfer fee of over 21 million euros for the player. Bergwijn’s move to Al-Ittihad represents a significant coup for the Saudi club as they continue to strengthen their squad with top-quality European talent.
Netherlands Winger: Bergwijn is a versatile and dynamic winger who has established himself as a regular in the Netherlands national team setup. Known for his pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal, the Dutchman has proven his quality at both the club and international level. His move to Al-Ittihad will see him join a star-studded roster that includes the likes of N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, and Karim Benzema, as the Saudi club aims to challenge for domestic and continental honours.
Football Leagues
Middle Eastern Leagues
Saudi Professional League: The Saudi Professional League, commonly known as the Saudi League, is the top division of Saudi Arabian football. Established in 1976, the league has grown to become one of the most prominent and competitive leagues in the Middle East, attracting a growing number of high-profile players and coaches from around the world. With its passionate fan base, state-of-the-art stadiums, and lucrative sponsorship deals, the Saudi League is poised to continue its rise as a force to be reckoned with in global football.
European Leagues
Eredivisie: The Eredivisie is the top professional football league in the Netherlands, known for its rich history, technical prowess, and emphasis on youth development. Clubs like Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord have consistently produced some of the finest talent in world football, with the league serving as a breeding ground for future superstars. The Eredivisie’s unique playing style, tactical innovation, and passionate fan culture have made it a league that is widely admired and respected throughout the global football community.
Player Nationalities
Netherlands Footballers
Steven Bergwijn: Hailing from the Netherlands, Steven Bergwijn is a highly talented winger who has made a name for himself both at the club and international level. Born in Amsterdam, Bergwijn’s early years were spent in the famed Ajax youth academy, before he eventually made the move to PSV Eindhoven, where he established himself as one of the brightest young prospects in Dutch football. After a successful spell in the Eredivisie, Bergwijn earned a high-profile transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, before returning to the Netherlands with Ajax in 2022. With 35 caps for the Netherlands national team, Bergwijn’s move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia represents a significant step in his career as he looks to continue his development and contribute to the club’s ambitions.
Football Positions
Wingers
Steven Bergwijn: As a dynamic and versatile winger, Steven Bergwijn has the ability to thrive in a variety of attacking roles. Blessed with blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and a keen eye for goal, Bergwijn is a nightmare for opposition defences. Whether operating on the left or right flank, the Dutchman possesses the technical ability and creativity to unlock even the most stubborn backlines, while also contributing with his fair share of goals and assists. Bergwijn’s move to Al-Ittihad will provide him with a new challenge as he looks to showcase his talents on the Middle Eastern stage, where he will undoubtedly be a crucial asset for the Saudi club’s attacking play.
The signing of Steven Bergwijn from Ajax represents a significant coup for Al-Ittihad as they continue to strengthen their squad with top-quality European talent. The Netherlands international winger brings a wealth of experience and proven quality at the highest level, having shone in the Eredivisie and for the Dutch national team.
With his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and eye for goal, Bergwijn will be a valuable addition to Al-Ittihad’s attacking arsenal as they look to challenge for domestic and continental honours. The move also highlights the growing influence of the Saudi Professional League, which has been able to attract a number of high-profile players from Europe in recent years.
For Ajax, the transfer represents a significant financial windfall, as the Dutch club received over 21 million euros for the player. This will provide them with the necessary resources to potentially reinvest in their squad and continue their tradition of developing and nurturing young talent.
Overall, the signing of Steven Bergwijn by Al-Ittihad is a testament to the ambition and financial power of the Saudi club, as they seek to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the Middle Eastern and global football stage. Fans of the Saudi Professional League can look forward to witnessing the Dutchman’s exciting brand of football in the coming seasons.
