PSV’s Steven Bergwijn had the second most assists last season in the Eredivisie, and along with Mexican team-mate Hirving Lozano, has been lighting up the Dutch league and is now being linked with a move to Manchester United.
Lozano is arguably PSV’s most popular player after his goal against Germany in last summer’s World Cup, though Bergwijn should not be underestimated after arguably eclipsing the Mexico international as Lampen finished runners-up to Ajax.
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Aged 21, Bergwijn fits Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s profile of a potential signing, and he was at Ajax before later moving to PSV.
He could become United’s second Dutch signing of the summer, with 16-year-old Dillon Hoogewerf announced his switch from Ajax at the weekend via Instagram.
The Dutch national team has struggled in recent years but the evolution of their squad has now reached a point where they could seriously challenge for honours in the foreseeable future. Ronald Koeman’s men take on England in the semi-finals of the Nations League on Thursday.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world, partnered by arguably the best young centre-back around in Matthijs de Ligt, and they have Barcelona new signing Frenkie de Jong in midfield.
Bergwijn has the perfect platform at international level if he can build on his two caps.
The Reds are in the race to sign Ajax skipper de Ligt, 19, but face stiff competition from Barcelona’s for his signature, as reported by The Express. It’s no wonder United are linked with so many Dutch players when you see the crop of talent coming through.
Moreover, Bergwijn can play on both flanks but his preferred foot is his right, and Solskjaer should add a specialist right winger to his team to add more width for next season.
Jesse Lingard has been used as a makeshift option on the right, but he shouldn’t be starting games next season if we’re looking to make real progress and secure a spot in the top four. The 26-year-old has had countless opportunities and it’s pretty clear that he should be no more than a squad player.
Solskjaer seeming wants to play counter-attacking and counter-pressing football at United from what we gathered last season, so he is going to need quick players who can beat defenders in the final third.
United are unlikely to go for Neymar, Douglas Costa or Lionel Messi, but the club should instead look at the likes of Jadon Sancho or maybe Ousmane Dembele as alternatives. Berwijn would be the cheaper option, valued at €30m according to Transfermarkt.
It had been widely reported that Borussia Dortmund’s Sancho was a prime target for United this season, however, the latest report on the potential transfer from The Independent claims any hope of a deal collapsed with failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The PSV starlet could be a highly effective if his attributed can be combined with end product. United need goals from all over midfield – as well as up front – and his assist tally of 13 in the Dutch top-flight (via Fox Sports) last season sounds promising.
Bergwijn could turn out to be a bargain!
