Lucas Bergvall's future at Tottenham Hotspur remains uncertain despite accumulating minutes this preseason under head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The 20-year-old's representatives informed Spurs of the midfielder's desire to seek a new challenge earlier this summer, aiming to secure regular playing time to further his development. football.london previously reported that Bergvall had grown frustrated at a lack of training time as a number eight last season, let alone playing time, while his starts dried up over the course of the campaign.
As he departed for the FIFA World Cup with Sweden, Bergvall's concerns over game time next season under De Zerbi intensified as Tottenham splashed £185 million ($250 million) on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali as a new top-level central midfield pairing, in addition to Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Conor Gallagher as the other midfield options within the squad.
The North London club rebuffed approaches from both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United over the summer, and upon his return to preseason training, Bergvall, who only signed a new six-year contract last year, was included in the club's tour to New Zealand and Australia.
Despite being among the later returnees from the World Cup, Bergvall has featured in the majority of preseason fixtures since rejoining the action, with De Zerbi making a concerted effort to incorporate him at every opportunity.
Football.london understands the player's camp has acknowledged that De Zerbi has backed up considerable praise with substantial preseason playing time, though there's recognition that those opportunities might not translate into the regular season.
The Swedish international is believed to have approached the summer with a positive mindset and, instead of dwelling on those turned-down offers, has knuckled down and continued working hard under De Zerbi, aiming to progress in his number eight position as he wished last season.
He logged significant time during the club's summer tour alongside fellow 20-year-old midfielder Gray, who will likewise be anxious about his playing time in the upcoming season, although his versatility across the backline should work in his favor.
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Reports from Spain suggesting Bergvall was offered to Barcelona, the club he rejected to sign with Spurs in 2024, have been refuted by those in his inner circle.
The young midfielder earned the supporters' vote as Tottenham Player of the Year during his debut season at the club and retains his connection with the fanbase. Sources close to the player indicate he's simply committed to doing his utmost and seeing where that leads him, seeking the self-assurance that comes with feeling appreciated.
With the transfer window remaining active for another three weeks, Bergvall's situation hasn't changed, with all possibilities still available and no determination made in either direction. Spurs are improbable to part with him unless their valuation is met, with some suggesting it could exceed £60 million ($81 million).
De Zerbi expressed his views on the player clearly during the club's pre-season tour.
"I'm always being very clear with him and with you. I would like that he stays with us. I think he's potentially a top top top player. But then I don't want to convince anyone to stay," said the Italian. "Tottenham is already, without me, a top club and we are not to convince anyone to stay. He can find the space if he stays with us.
"The competition within the players will be very strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad. Not just 11 players. Especially considering a lot of injuries we suffered in the last two, three seasons. Football is going in a clear direction – to compete for the highest places in the table, you have to manage 22, 23, 24 players. I don't want 24, but 21, 22, of a high level, for sure."
The 47-year-old confirmed that Bergvall has not personally informed him of any desire to depart the club.
"No, never. We are speaking better, face to face, without a competition in this moment. Now I started to work, like I know, my style. In the last season we prepared the game, we worked in the head, on the mentality, more than the style of play," he said.
"His position is very clear for me now. I needed time to understand the characteristics of the players, but I would like that he stays with us. He's very young, a very good player, a good guy. It's not so easy so fast to find a young player of that level."
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
