Everton have emerged as a contender to land Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn. Ajax were always thought to be the front runners in the chase of Bergwijn but Everton have jumped into the chase.
Bergwijn wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer after his lack of game time last season and the arrival of Dejan Kulesevski. The 24 year old has not extensively featured in Antonio Conte’s plans. Bergwijn started just four Premier League games last term with his last start coming in January. Since then, he has not played more than 23 minutes in any Premier League game, coming on as a substitute in the culminating stages of the game.
Ajax were considered as strong candidates to sign Bergwijn with talks dragging on with Spurs. This has allowed Everton to swoop in and the Toffees have reportedly made a lucrative offer to the former PSV Eindhoven winger.
Despite Ajax being the front runners, the Royal Blues may have an edge in Bergwijn deal as the two clubs are also locked in negotiations for Richarlison. In fact, Spurs also offered the Dutch attacker as a part of the deal for Richarlison.
Ajax manager admits to Steven Bergwijn negotiations who is also a target for Everton
On the other hand, Ajax remains keen to secure Bergwijn but nothing has been finalized yet. New Ajax boss, Alfred Schreuder who replaced Erik ten Hag, has now thrown some light on Bergwijn’s situation and in turn admitting that the Eredivisie giants are negotiating with Tottenham.
"That has not yet been finalised [Bergwijn deal]. [I am] waiting calmly. I focus on the players I do have. Those I don’t have, I can’t do anything with that now. (via 90min)"
Previously, it was reported by 90min, that a fee in the region of £20 million between Spurs and Ajax. However, Ajax are not yet able to close on the deal and are now facing competition from Everton who have made a personal proposal. The 24 year old had his heart set out on a return to his homeland but he is now considering the offer he has from Everton.
If the player does tilt towards signing for the Toffees, negotiations won’t be difficult as the two clubs are already holding meetings for Richarlison. Bergwijn could either be part of a player plus cash deal or the two sides could choose to approach this transfer separately.
The former PSV winger can be seen as a direct replacement for Richarlison. Bergwijn possesses pace to blast past his defender. He has the ability to strike the ball well with precision and doesn’t shy away from taking an aim at goal. He averages 3.03 shots per game and has a high non penalty xG of 0.49 as he is part of the top two per cent of wingers in the top five leagues in this particular metric.
Bergwijn is often there running behind long balls and a dominant presence in the opponent goal area, registering 7.17 touches per game in the opposition box. If Everton can get a deal for £20 million, the same fee that was agreed between Ajax and Tottenham, Bergwijn’s transfer will be a smart signing.
Should the Toffees sign Steven Bergwijn?