Tottenham Hotspur are bracing for a tough fight to retain one of their top young prospects, with Lucas Bergvall reportedly telling the club he wants out this summer.
The Swedish midfielder, currently away at the 2026 World Cup, is chasing a fresh challenge after slipping down the pecking order under Roberto De Zerbi.
Young midfielder pushes for summer move
Though his contract runs until June 2031, the 20-year-old has informed Spurs chiefs that he sees his future away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With several Premier League rivals and European clubs tracking his situation—according to The Athletic—the Sweden international was already heavily linked with a January exit, and Spurs knocked back interest from Chelsea and Aston Villa at the time.
From Club Player of the Year to squad player
Bergvall’s time in north London has been a wild ride since arriving from Djurgarden in 2024.
He thrived early on under Ange Postecoglou, playing a key part in the club’s 2025 Europa League win—their first trophy in 17 years—and his form was so strong that he was named the club’s Player of the Year, looking set to be a long-term fixture.
But a succession of managerial changes has stalled his rise. Thomas Frank, Postecoglou’s replacement, often used him out wide rather than in his preferred central-midfield role.
That pattern continued under Igor Tudor and has worsened since De Zerbi took over in March. The Italian’s 4-2-3-1 setup doesn’t seem to suit Bergvall’s strengths, and he barely featured in the final weeks of the 2025–26 Premier League season.
Rivals circling
Bergvall’s uncertain status hasn’t escaped the attention of domestic competitors. Aston Villa and Chelsea have both previously made contact with Tottenham about a potential deal, and while Spurs insisted he wasn’t for sale, his formal transfer request could change things if a strong offer arrives this summer. De Zerbi’s plans also point toward moving on from the young Swede.
The Athletic adds that Spurs are chasing established Premier League midfielders like Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, suggesting they want more experienced options in the middle.
With no European football next season, squad minutes will be harder to come by, leaving Bergvall in a tricky spot for his development.
Shining on the international stage
His club form may have dipped, but Bergvall is still making an impression for Sweden.
He recently became the country’s youngest-ever World Cup player, coming off the bench in the 5–1 win over Tunisia and providing an assist for Graham Potter’s side—a reminder of the talent that made him such a sought-after prospect two years ago. Still, Sweden’s tournament hopes are shaky after a heavy loss to the Netherlands on matchday two.
