Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed that Lucas Bergvall will remain at Tottenham Hotspur this campaign but expressed uncertainty regarding the future of another midfield option.
The north London club’s Italian head coach provided the update during his latest press conference as preparations for the new season continue.
Bergvall, the 20-year-old Swedish midfielder, had communicated to Tottenham before departing for World Cup duty earlier in the summer that he was seeking a new challenge and hoped to develop as an attacking central midfielder.
However, the club rejected approaches from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest for the young player, and De Zerbi subsequently handed him significant opportunities throughout pre-season with regular starts and substantial playing time.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton manager indicated that Bergvall’s stance has now shifted, with the player appearing committed to remaining at the club.
De Zerbi stated his satisfaction at the development while acknowledging his inability to offer comparable reassurance regarding the long-term futures of other members of his squad.
The uncertainty surrounding the second player stems from Tottenham’s substantial investment in the transfer market, having spent £185million on Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to strengthen the midfield department.
The Senegal international is 23 years old and could potentially depart before the end of the transfer window.
Tottenham’s ownership group, the Lewis family, had pledged significant action following their club’s narrow escape from relegation during the previous campaign.
De Zerbi, who assumed his position in March, stated that the owners and board have fulfilled their commitments, describing the timing of their assurances as occurring in the middle and end of March.
De Zerbi acknowledged external speculation and commentary but indicated he would channel any negativity constructively.
He expressed confidence in his squad’s abilities and noted that performances on the pitch would need to match the ambitions shared with the board.
Regarding squad depth, De Zerbi made clear that competition for places would be fierce and that players unwilling to embrace that challenge would be permitted to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The former Italy international’s future remains uncertain as the club continues to shape its roster.
The head coach refrained from detailed discussion about potential movements in the remaining transfer window, though significant business could still be conducted.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of several younger squad members while stopping short of confirming loan moves.
De Zerbi emphasised that foreign players in particular must quickly comprehend the standards expected at Tottenham, regardless of recent league positions.
He noted that the club’s status and expectations remain unchanged despite two consecutive seasons finishing 17th in the Premier League.
The Italian also reflected on past missed opportunities, suggesting a former England international would have complemented several current attacking options at the club.