Steven Bergwijn proud of ‘step up’ from Tottenham, but admits shock at Ajax transfer reality

Steven Bergwijn has labelled his transfer from Tottenham to Ajax a “step up” because of his consistent lack of game time in north London.

The Dutch winger has returned to his homeland after two and a half years at Spurs. Despite a fast start at Tottenham under Jose Mourinho, he struggled to take that momentum with him.

Bergwijn subsequently found match minutes hard to come by under Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte.

As such, former PSV Eindhoven man Bergwijn sealed a move to Ajax earlier this week, where he will look to revive his career.

Speaking to Ajax’s official club website, the 22-time Netherlands international in fact revealed long-term interest from the Eredivisie giants.

“It took a while, it was a lot of back and forth but here we are,” the winger said.

“It started about a year and a half ago. At a certain point, I started to play a bit less at Tottenham, then Ajax came knocking a few times.

“It almost happened then but, one way or another, it didn’t work out then. Now, it has finally happened.”

Bergwijn shocked at Ajax transfer

And Bergwijn admitted he felt “shocked” at his move to Ajax actually coming to pass.

“I was a bit shocked. I didn’t see it coming, actually,” he added.

“But yeah I was getting left out of the team there and of course you just want to play.

“So if you can go back to Ajax it’s quite tempting. They always do well in the league and the Champions League. So, it’s a step up for me.”

Tottenham exit was right move

Bergwijn was right to leave Tottenham, with it becoming clear that he did not feature in Conte’s plans as much as he hoped.

His move to Ajax, he hopes, will see him flourish and his debut season for the defending Eredivisie champions will prove an important one.

Not only are they defending their league title and looking to impress again in the Champions League, but it is a World Cup year.

Bergwijn faces a battle to ensure he is firmly in Louis van Gaal’s sights ahead of Qatar.

He may have dropped slightly off the manager’s radar had he stayed at Tottenham, but this move ensures he can go into the World Cup in fine form.