Roberto De Zerbi sends Lucas Bergvall clear transfer message after Tottenham reject offers

Roberto De Zerbi has admitted he is prepared to sanction Lucas Bergvall’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur this summer after the midfielder reportedly made it clear that he wants to leave in search of regular first-team football. While Spurs have been one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs during the early stages of the transfer window, bringing in several new faces to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign, Bergvall now looks increasingly likely to be one of the club’s first notable exits.

The Swedish youngster is understood to have submitted a transfer request after becoming frustrated with his current situation in north London. His primary concern is believed to be a lack of opportunities to play in his preferred No. 8 role, where he feels he can best showcase his qualities. With Tottenham adding more competition in midfield, Bergvall reportedly believes his chances of earning consistent minutes have become even slimmer, prompting him to push for a move elsewhere.

Interest in the highly-rated midfielder has grown rapidly across the Premier League and Europe. Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have both tested Tottenham’s resolve with offers, but Spurs have rejected those approaches as they continue to assess the player’s future. Despite those rejected bids, Bergvall remains determined to leave, with reports suggesting he is eager to find a club where he can play a more prominent role and continue his development.

Speaking during Tottenham’s pre-season tour in Auckland, New Zealand, De Zerbi addressed the growing speculation surrounding Bergvall’s future and made his stance crystal clear. The Italian manager emphasized that he only wants players who are fully committed to the club and willing to embrace his long-term vision. According to De Zerbi, motivation and pride are non-negotiable qualities, and any player who no longer wants to be at Tottenham should be allowed to move on.

The Spurs boss explained that he had already set those expectations from the moment he arrived at the club. He reiterated that players must be proud to represent Tottenham and eager to give everything whenever they step onto the pitch. De Zerbi believes that maintaining a highly motivated dressing room is one of the most important ingredients for success, insisting that commitment often makes the difference between winning and losing at the highest level.

Using the recent World Cup as an example, De Zerbi highlighted how motivation can elevate performances even against the strongest opponents. He stressed that players who truly enjoy representing their club are more likely to perform consistently and contribute positively to the team’s overall ambitions. For that reason, he has no interest in convincing unhappy players to stay against their wishes.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Bergvall’s future, De Zerbi revealed that he has yet to hold a direct conversation with the midfielder. However, the Tottenham manager confirmed that discussions are planned in the coming days as he looks to understand Bergvall’s position and find the best possible solution for everyone involved. Those talks could prove decisive in determining whether the Swedish international remains part of the squad for the upcoming season or moves elsewhere before the transfer window closes.

“I have not spoken with Lucas yet,” De Zerbi explained. “I will speak with him in the next few days, and together we will try to make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, and for everyone involved.”

Although De Zerbi acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, he also made a point of praising Bergvall’s ability. The Italian described the midfielder as a “big, big talent” and suggested that his quality is not in question. Instead, the issue revolves around competition for places within Tottenham’s increasingly deep squad.

Following an active transfer window, Tottenham now boast significant depth across several positions, particularly in midfield. De Zerbi believes that every role will effectively have two high-quality players competing for a starting place, creating fierce competition throughout the squad. While that level of competition is healthy for the team, it inevitably means some talented players could struggle for regular game time.

The manager admitted he would welcome Bergvall staying at Tottenham if the player decides he wants to fight for his place. However, De Zerbi also accepted that if the midfielder’s desire to leave remains unchanged, the club will work together to secure an outcome that benefits everyone.

Should Bergvall depart, De Zerbi confirmed that the responsibility for negotiating a transfer would fall to Tottenham’s recruitment and executive team, including sporting director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. The head coach made it clear that once a player has decided to move on, his focus shifts back to preparing the squad rather than becoming heavily involved in transfer negotiations.

Bergvall’s current contract with Tottenham runs until 2031, meaning Spurs are under no financial pressure to sell him this summer. That lengthy deal gives the club a strong negotiating position, allowing them to reject offers they believe fall below the player’s market value. It also means interested clubs will likely have to submit significantly improved bids if they hope to persuade Tottenham to sanction a transfer.

The 20-year-old is believed to be open to offers from clubs across Europe, but his preference is reportedly to remain in the Premier League. Bergvall feels staying in England would allow him to continue adapting to one of the world’s most competitive leagues while receiving the consistent playing time he believes is essential for his development. Several clubs are expected to monitor the situation closely should Tottenham soften their stance following discussions with the player.

For now, Bergvall remains part of Tottenham’s travelling squad in New Zealand as preparations for the new season continue. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, he has joined his teammates on the club’s pre-season tour and could still feature in upcoming friendlies while talks continue behind the scenes.

Tottenham’s pre-season schedule continues with a clash against A-League champions Auckland FC before further fixtures against Sydney FC and Premier League rivals Chelsea. Those matches will provide De Zerbi with another opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the new campaign, while also giving Bergvall the chance to impress should he remain involved.

Whether the Swedish midfielder ultimately stays to fight for his place or secures the move he is seeking, the coming days are expected to be crucial. With De Zerbi insisting that only fully committed players will be part of his project, Bergvall’s future appears set to be one of Tottenham’s biggest transfer stories as the summer window continues.