Lucas Bergvall must have ‘right spirit’ to stay at Tottenham – Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep Lucas Bergvall at Tottenham but insists the young midfielder must have the “right spirit” to stay.

Bergvall made his first start of pre-season in Spurs’ 1-1 draw with Sydney FC on Wednesday but his future at the club remains uncertain, the Press Association understands.

The 20-year-old experienced a difficult 2025-26 campaign where he made only 17 starts and featured regularly out of position. It has been followed by big-money signings Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes arriving this summer to provide competition in the centre of midfield.

PA understands bids by Nottingham Forest and Newcastle for Bergvall this month have been rejected but the 20-year-old could still exit Tottenham before the end of the transfer window due to his desire to play regularly during the upcoming season.

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Even though De Zerbi spoke positively about the Swedish international staying at Spurs after the draw with Sydney, there remains an element of the unknown regarding immediate plans for Bergvall.

Sources close to the player claim there has been no dialogue between De Zerbi and Bergvall for two months. This appeared to be confirmed by De Zerbi on Saturday when he stated “I have not spoken to Lucas yet” during a press conference in New Zealand.

However, on Wednesday, De Zerbi told reporters: “I am speaking with (Bergvall) before the end of the last season, during the World Cup two times but now we are speaking better, face to face, without a competition in this moment.”

Asked if Bergvall had expressed a desire to leave, De Zerbi said: “No, never.

“I’m always being very clear with him and with you. I would like that he stays with us. I think