Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has stated he will speak with Lucas Bergvall this week to discuss the player’s future. The young Swedish midfielder has been the subject of transfer speculation, with several clubs reportedly interested in acquiring his services.
De Zerbi’s comments come during Tottenham‘s preseason tour, which includes matches in New Zealand and Australia. The manager indicated that the outcome of these discussions will determine whether Bergvall remains with the club or is sold during the current transfer window.
Bergvall’s Future at Tottenham
Lucas Bergvall has reportedly expressed a desire for regular first-team football, which he may find limited at Tottenham this season. De Zerbi acknowledged that he had not yet spoken with Bergvall about his future but plans to do so in the coming days.
De Zerbi emphasised his desire for players who are motivated and happy to be at the club. He stated, “Who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave.” He added that if Bergvall wishes to stay, he would be happy, but otherwise, a new solution would need to be found with Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham.
The manager described Bergvall as a “big, big talent” and noted that there would be significant competition for places within the squad, with the aim of having two players for each position. This suggests that while Bergvall is highly rated, securing a consistent starting role might be challenging.
Sources indicate that Bergvall made it clear earlier this summer that he wanted to explore a move away, believing he would struggle for regular first-team football under De Zerbi following the acquisitions of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. Despite continuing to rate the 19-year-old highly, Spurs are reportedly prepared to listen to offers if their valuation is met.
Interest from Premier League Clubs
Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly preparing a significant bid to sign Lucas Bergvall. Sources suggest that Brighton‘s recruitment department has identified the Sweden international as a priority target, believing he has the potential to become a standout player at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton is reportedly willing to meet Tottenham‘s valuation, which is said to be approaching £60m (€70m, $80m). This potential transfer could mark the largest in Brighton‘s history. The club’s interest follows their successful acquisition of Luka Vuskovic from Spurs earlier this summer.
Nottingham Forest has also been pursuing Bergvall for much of the summer, holding extensive discussions. However, Brighton‘s willingness to match Tottenham‘s demands has reportedly shifted the transfer landscape. Other clubs, including Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Fulham, have also held conversations with Bergvall’s representatives.
Tottenham has reportedly rejected offers from Forest and Newcastle, as they are seeking a fee in excess of £50 million. This valuation has reportedly priced out many of Bergvall’s European admirers, leaving Premier League clubs in the strongest position to secure a deal.
Brighton‘s recruitment model focuses on identifying young talent capable of developing into elite performers, and sources suggest Bergvall fits this profile. While Tottenham is reluctant to lose a promising young talent, a significant offer could strengthen their own transfer plans before the window closes. Brighton is now positioning itself to test Tottenham‘s resolve.
Squad Updates and Transfer Window Activity
De Zerbi also provided updates on other players during his press conference. Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur both missed the preseason tour due to minor issues. De Zerbi confirmed that both players requested and were granted an additional week before reporting for training.
Regarding injured offensive players, Mohammed Kudus is reportedly close to a return and is expected to be available to work with the team upon their return to London. Dejan Kulusevski, who has not played competitive football for over a year due to a serious patella injury in 2024-25, will be assessed in the coming weeks. De Zerbi emphasised the need to avoid risks with Kulusevski’s recovery.
Tottenham has already brought in six first-team players this summer as part of a squad refresh, following two consecutive 17th-place league finishes. Despite these additions, De Zerbi indicated that the club’s transfer market activity is not yet complete, with plans to bring in at least two more attacking players. He expressed satisfaction with the work being done with Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham, highlighting the acquisition of experienced players like Andrew Robertson to improve the team’s mentality and experience.
The team is currently in New Zealand, where they are scheduled to play Auckland FC on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Source: cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
