Netherlands head coach Xavi has opened the door for players based in the Saudi Pro League to be selected for the national team. The new Oranje boss announced this shift in policy during his first press conference, as reported by Goal.
Which players benefit from this policy?
For players like Tijjani Reijnders and Crysencio Summerville, this news is significant. Both internationals moved to Al Qadsiah and Al Hilal respectively after the last World Cup. Under the previous regime of Ronald Koeman, their international careers seemed over. Xavi's new stance offers them a route back. Steven Bergwijn, who scored a hat-trick for Ittihad Club on Monday, could also come back into contention. The current Netherlands squad can be viewed on our squad page.
What exactly did Xavi say about the league?
"Yes, why not?" was Xavi's immediate answer when asked if players from Saudi Arabia could be selected. When a journalist questioned the league's quality, the coach reacted sharply. "Do you follow that league?" Xavi asked. "If you do, you know that it is a good league. Is it better than the Eredivisie? We also follow that league with interest."
Xavi stressed that for him, it is purely about the individual player's level. "I do not care about the leagues, I care about the level of the players. That is the most important thing for me," he said. This pragmatic approach marks a clear break from Koeman's policy, which原则上 excluded players in Saudi Arabia.
How does this fit into World Cup 2026 preparations?
This decision comes during a key phase of preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The Netherlands are in a strong position in their qualifying group, and upcoming friendlies are vital for testing the squad. By broadening his selection criteria, Xavi gives himself more options. He can now draw from a larger pool of players, regardless of where they play their club football. The upcoming fixtures for the Dutch national team are listed on our fixtures page.
The Dutch squad possesses considerable attacking talent, but competition for places is fierce. Players who perform consistently, anywhere in the world, can now expect a fair chance. This could benefit the motivation and performance of the entire squad. The statistics of current internationals are available on our stats page.
What does this mean for the future of the Netherlands team?
With this statement, Xavi sets a new tone. He sends a signal that performance is paramount. It is a policy suited to a modern, global football world where top players are active across the globe. The coming months will reveal if players from the Saudi Pro League can actually secure their place in the national team. The first test comes soon, with important World Cup 2026 qualifiers scheduled. For now, the head coach has kept all options open.
