De Zerbi’s £60m dilemma: keeping Bergvall amid a £235m summer

Roberto De Zerbi faces a stark contrast at Tottenham: he wants Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall to stay, yet the club has set a £60 million price tag on the 20‑year‑old while already splashing more than £235 million on new signings this summer. The juxtaposition highlights the financial and sporting tightrope the North London side must walk.

De Zerbi has publicly stated his desire to keep the Swedish midfielder after direct talks with the 20‑year‑old, emphasizing the player’s potential value to the squad. He made the comments in a press briefing, underscoring his personal involvement in the decision.

The club is reportedly prepared to set an asking price of £60 million should Bergvall be sold, signalling a willingness to cash in if the player chooses to leave. This figure stands out against the broader spending spree.

Tottenham have already spent more than £235 million this summer, bolstering both the defence and midfield. The club plans to address the attack later and expects further significant exits to help balance the books.

Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario and Luka Vuskovic are all listed as likely departures, while Bergvall is reported to be keen on leaving the club. Their potential exits add pressure to the summer overhaul.

Bergvall, a Sweden international born in 2006, wants regular starts and prefers to play as a double‑pivot central midfielder. Tottenham already have strong competition for that role, limiting his immediate prospects.

De Zerbi told reporters, “I would like that he stays with us. I think he’s potentially a top, top, top player,” but he added he cannot force anyone to remain. He also warned that competition within the squad will be “very strong.”

He said any final decision will involve chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange, and he cannot guarantee Bergvall a first‑team place given the squad’s depth. This reflects the complexity of squad management.

Current midfield options include Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur, all considered defensively stronger than Bergvall. Managing a 21‑22 player squad will be challenging after a spell of injuries.

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