Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi has asked Lucas Bergvall to stay at the club, though he can't promise the 20-year-old a starting position. Bergvall, who has drawn interest from Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, started in Spurs' 4-2 penalty shootout win over Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Wednesday. Tottenham are reluctant to lose the midfielder this summer and have already turned down a couple of offers from Premier League rivals. Spurs have rejected a £46 million bid from Newcastle United and a £36m offer from Nottingham Forest.
De Zerbi acknowledges past errors in handling Bergvall
De Zerbi admitted he made errors in managing Bergvall during the chaotic final stretch of the season. Appointed in March, the manager just barely guided Spurs to Premier League safety with a last-day win over Everton.
De Zerbi emphasized his honesty with the player, saying, 'I would like that he stays with us. I'm always being very clear with him and with you. I think he's potentially a top, top player. But then I don't want to convince anyone to stay. Tottenham is already, without me, a top club and we are not to convince anyone to stay.'
Tottenham's squad and injury challenges
De Zerbi highlighted the intense competition for places at the club. 'The competition will be very strong because we are Tottenham and we have to build a strong squad,' he stated. 'We have to consider the injuries we've had over the past few seasons.'
Bergvall prefers to play in a deeper midfield role, as seen in the 1-1 draw with Sydney FC. Still, the recent signings of £85m Matheus Fernandes and £100m Sandro Tonali have raised more questions about his future at the club. De Zerbi denied Bergvall had told him he was looking for an exit after starting him in the pre-season friendly. Tottenham's inability to guarantee Bergvall regular first-team minutes is a key reason why he wants to leave the club. The midfielder made his first appearance of Tottenham's pre-season campaign in Wednesday's penalty shoot-out victory over Sydney FC after returning from his post-World Cup break.
No assurances of position or regular play
De Zerbi was clear that he cannot guarantee Bergvall a spot in the starting XI. 'I can't give the place in the first XI guaranteed,' he said. 'He has to improve, and I want to be honest and clear with the players.'
Despite the uncertainty, De Zerbi stressed the need for Bergvall to be committed to staying. 'To stay with us, we have to have the right spirit,' he added. 'If he doesn't want to stay, then what can I do? Nothing.' Tottenham will only sanction a sale if they receive a bid of around £60m.