Tottenham Face £55M Threat As Newcastle Make Big Move For Star Striker
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall has taken another unexpected turn, with the Magpies potentially preparing to return with an improved offer for the highly rated youngster.
For much of the summer, Bergvall’s future at Tottenham appeared increasingly uncertain. Newcastle had already tested Spurs’ resolve with a £46 million (€53 million) offer, but the proposal was rejected. Despite that setback, reports suggested that the Premier League club could be willing to reconsider their position if Newcastle returned with a significantly improved bid.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke recently reported that Tottenham would “reluctantly” consider another proposal for Bergvall, giving Newcastle fresh hope that a deal could still be negotiated. The midfielder was also previously reported to be open to leaving North London in search of more consistent first-team football.
However, the situation has now changed dramatically following comments from Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, De Zerbi gave a very different assessment of Bergvall’s situation and insisted that the young midfielder now wants to remain at Tottenham.
“Lucas Bergvall, 100 per cent,” De Zerbi said when asked whether the player wants to stay. “We spoke a lot in pre-season. He’s a top player, a top potential player. I like he stays, but I think now he wants to stay and we have no problem.”
Those comments could represent a major turning point in Bergvall’s future. Earlier reports had painted a picture of a player who was considering his options because of concerns over his opportunities in Tottenham’s first team.
The Athletic previously reported in June that Bergvall wanted a new challenge that would allow him to play more regularly, particularly in his preferred No. 8 position. His progress last season was also affected by injuries, meaning he managed only 11 Premier League starts.
Newcastle saw an opportunity and made their move, submitting a substantial £46 million bid for the 20-year-old midfielder. Tottenham, however, were believed to value Bergvall closer to £60 million (€69 million), making negotiations difficult from the beginning.
More recently, reports suggested that Spurs were becoming increasingly resigned to the possibility of losing the Swedish midfielder. O’Rourke claimed Tottenham could seriously consider another Newcastle proposal if it reached their valuation, or potentially even accept a slightly lower figure.
De Zerbi’s latest comments, however, have thrown that entire situation into doubt.
The Tottenham boss appears convinced that Bergvall has changed his position and is now committed to continuing his development in North London. That could make Newcastle’s task considerably more difficult, particularly if the player himself is no longer pushing for an exit.
There is also a growing footballing argument for Bergvall to remain at Spurs. The midfielder has impressed during pre-season and has shown enough quality to potentially force his way into De Zerbi’s starting lineup if he continues performing at the same level.
Tottenham have also made significant changes to their midfield this summer, including the arrival of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. With increased competition for places, Bergvall will have to fight for his position, but his recent performances could strengthen his case for regular involvement.
For Newcastle, the situation is now far less straightforward than it appeared just a few weeks ago. The Magpies may still decide to test Tottenham’s resolve with an improved offer, especially if they remain convinced that Bergvall is a long-term target who can make a major impact at St James’ Park.
For Tottenham, meanwhile, De Zerbi’s comments will be welcomed as a major boost. Losing a talented 20-year-old midfielder after investing heavily in his development would have been a difficult decision, but if Bergvall genuinely wants to stay, Spurs may have little reason to consider selling him.
The coming days could therefore prove crucial. Newcastle could return with a bigger offer, but Tottenham now appear to have renewed confidence that Bergvall wants to stay and compete for his place.
What once looked like a transfer that was steadily moving towards an exit has suddenly become an uncertain situation again, with Bergvall’s performances and personal decision likely to play a major role in determining whether he remains a Tottenham player or eventually makes the move to Newcastle.
