Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a blockbuster summer so far, but in Lucas Bergvall, they have a problem that needs solving.
The Lilywhites have made some serious statement signings, especially in midfield with the acquisitions of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
But it’s one of their existing options, Bergvall, who may yet steal the headlines. The Swedish youngster has looked like a man who wants out ever since reporting for World Cup duty over the summer. Roberto De Zerbi has finally spoken publicly on the matter, and his words don’t exactly paint the picture of a harmonious relationship.
“Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said ‘Who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave’. I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation. If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team,” the Italian coach said in his first press conference of the summer.
“I have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days. And we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, with Vinai (Venkatesham). It’s not my business after the decision to leave (if that happens).”
So, with that in mind, and considering the sheer competition for places in that Spurs midfield now, let’s take a look at some dream, realistic and wildcard options for Bergvall this summer.
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Dream: Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund’s reputation as the ultimate finishing school for elite European talent surely makes them the dream destination for Bergvall this summer. Jude Bellingham, Erling Haaland and Karim Adeyemi are just a few of the names to move through Signal Iduna Park, where things are done just a little differently in order to turn boys into men.
It’s a great stylistic fit on the pitch as well. Bergvall is a high-energy, technically brilliant midfielder, and he would be joining a side that is third only to Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga for final third passes completed and second only to Bayern for possessions won in the attacking third since Niko Kovac took charge in February 2025.
Dortmund has become the go-to place for raw talents looking to become world-class operators, and Bergvall has all those hallmarks. What’s more, the type of physicality in the Bundesliga is very different to the Premier League — expressed in high-octane pressing rather than relentless back-and-forth counter-attacks. It’s a style that suits Bergvall well, and he’d fancy his chances of getting more minutes up against the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Carney Chukwuemeka rather than Tonali and Fernandes.
Realistic: Newcastle United
As Tottenham well know, Newcastle are in need of a midfielder, and considering they don’t have European football this season, they might have to look further down the ladder to get one.
A little like Dortmund, Newcastle have begun to craft a niche as a stepping stone to elite clubs in recent years, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and, of course, Tonali all fetching huge fees across the last two summers.
Bergvall feels like a natural fit for Howe’s 4-3-3 system, which focuses on relentless, high-energy midfielders who can use the ball wisely both in transition and tight spaces. You’d also back Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton to put a bit more fire in the Sweden international’s belly.
Newcastle are the favourites right now, with the real sticking point being the fact that Spurs know exactly how much money they’ve just received for a midfielder, given they’re the ones who paid it. They’ll ask a premium price for Bergvall, but he could be a fantastic investment.
Wildcard: Stay at Tottenham
Given that Sky Bet aren’t even offering a market for this outcome right now, it really is a wildcard. But there is method behind the madness.
While De Zerbi clearly has issues to sort out with Bergvall, some of his quotes from that press conference could be viewed as a challenge to the young midfielder to prove himself. What’s more, the manager explicitly stated that Bergvall is a ‘big, big talent’.
The sticking points are obvious. Even aside from Tonali and Fernandes, Tottenham’s midfield is already packed with a now-fully-fit James Maddison, the emerging Archie Gray fresh from being one of Spurs’ few bright lights last season, Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur and others.
But there’s also something to be said for Bergvall staying, getting his head down and convincing the manager he’s the player to trust. Especially given that the manager’s style is a perfect match.
Squawka Suggests: Brighton
Rumours are swirling that Brighton are preparing to wade into the battle for Bergvall, and there is so much to like here.
Where Dortmund are a selective finishing school that still need to focus on winning trophies, Brighton have put their heart and soul into converting fresh-faced talents into elite performers, scooping a massive profit along the way. Marc Cucurella, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Joao Pedro are just a few of the names that come to mind.
Brighton cashed in again this summer, selling defender Jan Paul van Hecke to Spurs, so like Newcastle, there is a potential negotiation sticking point there.
However, these two clubs have conducted a lot of respectful business in the past. In Fabian Hurzeler, Bergvall would be joining a progressive young coach who can get the best out of him, while proving a point in the Premier League at arguably Europe’s best stepping-stone club right now.