Bergvall's Tottenham Transfer Dilemma
Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall pushes for summer exit despite long contract
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A source report says Bergvall’s push to leave is also driven by Spurs failing to provide European competition, arguing that a “more conducive environment” is crucial for his development at age 20.
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In the January 2026 window, interest from clubs including Chelsea and Aston Villa prompted enquiries that Tottenham turned down—Spurs reportedly demanded a valuation above £57 million (about €66 million), close to a seven-fold increase from his £8.5 million arrival fee.
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Man United’s pursuit is tied to a specific history: Bergvall trialled at United in 2022, but “Brexit rules stopped the Red Devils from making an official deal,” after which United continued to scout him while he played for Djurgården—making this potentially the “fourth opportunity” to sign him.
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His recent drop in playing time follows a clear change in fortunes: under Ange Postecoglou he was named Spurs “player of the year” and helped win the 2025 Europa League, but after Postecoglou’s exit Thomas Frank used him less frequently—often out wide rather than centrally—and a brief Igor Tudor spell saw him appear only twice as a substitute.
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The reporting also points to a tactical fit problem with Roberto De Zerbi: Bergvall’s preferred No. 8 role “does not appear best suited” to the 4-2-3-1 system De Zerbi used, and it was said to be noticeable in training; despite a start at Sunderland, he was substituted in the second half and then “barely featured thereafter.”
Lucas Bergvall has told Tottenham Hotspur he wants to leave this summer, according to The Athletic. The 20-year-old Swedish midfielder is unhappy after a season marked by manager changes, tactical mismatches, and barely any playing time — capped by just two substitute appearances under Igor Tudor.
The exit request puts Spurs in a difficult spot. Bergvall only recently extended his contract through 2031, and the club is demanding at least £57 million — nearly seven times the £8.5 million they paid Djurgården in July 2024. Chelsea, Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Manchester United are all circling, Mirror reports.
From Player of the Year to Bench Warmer
Just one year ago, Bergvall was Tottenham's best player. Under Ange Postecoglou's 4-3-3 system, he operated as a box-to-box midfielder and earned the club's Player of the Year award. He made 30-plus appearances and helped Spurs win the 2025 Europa League, SB Nation reported.
Then Postecoglou left. Thomas Frank played Bergvall out wide rather than centrally. Tudor barely used him at all. When Roberto De Zerbi arrived, Bergvall started the game at Sunderland — then was substituted in the second half and "barely featured thereafter," per Head Topics. His preferred No. 8 role simply does not fit De Zerbi's rigid 4-2-3-1 shape.
No European Football Pushed Bergvall Over the Edge
Bergvall's camp cited two main reasons for the exit request. First, Tottenham failed to qualify for European competition. Second, the club cannot offer him a "more conducive environment" for his development at age 20, Zamin reported. For a player at his stage, sitting on the bench is seen as damaging his growth.
Spurs are also expected to bring in midfielders who fit De Zerbi's double-pivot system. That would push Bergvall even further down the pecking order. His camp appears to have decided that waiting for a role that may never come is not worth it.
Manchester United's Fourth Chance to Sign Bergvall
Manchester United's interest has a long history. In February 2022, a 16-year-old Bergvall trialled at Old Trafford. But Brexit rules blocked United from signing a Swedish minor professionally. United kept scouting him while he played for Djurgården. This summer is being called their "fourth opportunity" to finally land him, Mirror reported.
Chelsea and Aston Villa made formal enquiries in January 2026. Tottenham turned both down, holding firm at £57 million. Arsenal have also been linked. The race is wide open, but United's long personal connection to Bergvall gives them a potential edge in any talks.
World Cup Could Shift Bergvall's £57 Million Price Tag
Bergvall is expected to feature for Sweden at the 2026 World Cup. A strong tournament could validate — or even push higher — Tottenham's £57 million asking price. A poor showing or limited minutes could force Daniel Levy to lower his demands to get a deal done, The Athletic noted.
For Spurs, selling at £57 million would mean a 670% return on their £8.5 million investment in just two years. But it would also send a troubling message to other young players about their future at the club under the current setup. The World Cup group stage begins soon — and so does the final reckoning on Bergvall's value.
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