Analysts back Summerville and Reijnders despite Saudi move

While analysts such as Hans Kraaij jr. and Aad de Mos argue that the move of Oranje‑international Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders to Saudi-Arabië this summer should not hinder their national team chances, critics like Pascal Bosschaart question whether players in the Saudi Pro League can realistically blijven Reijnders in Ronald Koeman’s Oranje squad.

Hans Kraaij jr. says he understands why players head to the Midden-Oosten, noting that some earn 60 or 65 million and adding, “let them”. He points to the lucrative offers in Saudi-Arabië as part of the draw.

Aad de Mos stresses that the Saudi Pro League offers genuine quality, not only older stars but also younger talent. He cites Tijjani Reijnders as a young Dutch player thriving in that environment.

De Mos, who spent a year coaching Al Hilal, highlights that 38 players in the Saudi competition have already featured at a World Cup. That, he believes, demonstrates the league’s international pedigree.

Debate over Saudi‑based players’ Oranje prospects

Pascal Bosschaart wonders whether players competing in the ‘sandpit’ can still be considered for the Dutch Oranje, a comment aimed at bondscoach Ronald Koeman’s selection policy. He suggests the national team has been strict about overseas selections.

Hans Kraaij jr. counters that former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández stopped picking Steven Bergwijn and Georginio Wijnaldum, yet he believes Xavi would simply choose the best, regardless of whether they play in the sandpit. The analysts therefore see no reason to exclude Summerville or Reijnders from future Oranje call‑ups.