Tottenham look close to completing a deal for their second outgoing of the summer, as Steven Bergwijn looks set to make a return to the Netherlands to join Ajax. Earlier this summer, Cameron Carter-Vickers became Spurs' first departure, after his successful loan spell earned him a permanent move to Celtic.
football.london reported on Wednesday that a £27.8million fee had been agreed between the two clubs and the Dutch international was pictured outside Amsterdam UMC hospital, ahead of his medical. This would see the departure of Bergwijn, after making more than 80 appearances for Tottenham.
His exit does not come as a surprise as he expressed his desire to leave N17 this summer, earlier in the year. This admission comes ahead of the World Cup and as the 24-year-old wants regular game time, which would have only been made more difficult, with the arrival of Richarlison.
READ MORE: Tottenham agree fee with Ajax for Steven Bergwijn transfer
Speaking on Bergwijn's exit, Trevor Sinclair explained why he thinks the move could be good for the Dutch international. "It’s not bad business," he said on talkSPORT, via HITC.
"I think he’s a good player. He needed a run in the team. He didn’t really get that at Spurs. I see a player that has all the attributes you need. He’s quick and strong. Looks hungry. But he just hasn’t had a real run in the side that showcases what he’s got."
With the upcoming World Cup and the quality Bergwijn has shown he has, it seems a move is best for all parties. Richarlison has been added to Tottenham's already strong attack and this adds depth for Conte, but also means Lucas Moura will now have to work even harder for regular game time.
The Italian likes to have two players for every position and so the 24-year-old Bergwijn's departure seems to pave the way for another new arrival. This could come in the form of Bergwijn's countryman, Memphis Depay. The 28-year-old has previously been praised by Ronald Koeman and Jose Mourinho and could be a strong addition to the Tottenham squad.
Depay made 27 La Liga appearances for Barcelona last season, scoring 12 goals and registering two assists. The Dutch international featured as a centre-forward, winger and second striker, so he would be another versatile player for Conte.
The striker would also come with Champions League and Premier League experience, which he picked up during his time at Manchester United. A potential problem with the transfer has been pointed out by former Spurs defender, Alan Hutton.
"I don’t think Depay is any better than Bergwijn personally. He went to Manchester United and it didn’t work out. He went abroad to France where it seemed to suit his style better. So coming back to Tottenham, is it a risk? Yes possibly, especially when you’ve got Bergwijn there who I think is a similar player," he told Football Insider.
"Why get rid of one to bring in somebody that’s relatively the same kind of profile?" With Bergwijn and Depay's similarities, it does raise the question of whether the potential new arrival would make the required impact. However, with the arrivals of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur in January, Conte has already shown the impact his signings can have on his team and he would expect the same from Depay, if he made the move.
The Dutchman has been previously linked with a move to N17 and links are resurfacing this summer. football.london reported that week that according to Spanish news outlet Sport, Tottenham made an enquiry for the 28-year-old and the Spanish side could let Depay leave if they receive a £17million offer.
The forward has a market value of up to £33.9million, according to CIES, so if Spurs were to go for the 28-year-old and secure a deal for him, for less than £20million then it would be a solid bit of business. However if the Dutch international is offered at a lower price, Spurs are likely to have to fight off competition if they do want to secure a deal, with Arsenal also reportedly interest.
READ NEXT:
The seven Tottenham transfers expected to solve Antonio Conte's foreign player limit issues
Antonio Conte and Tottenham told why Memphis Depay transfer should be completed by Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho admission hands Antonio Conte big Japhet Tanganga call amid AC Milan transfer talk
