Lucas Bergvall has gone from strength to strength as a player since he arrived at Tottenham.
The midfielder only joined the ranks in N17 last summer, but was one of the main beneficiaries of the unprecedented injury crisis that the Lilywhites suffered last term.
Bergvall has quickly established himself in the Tottenham first-team, despite being a relative unknown when he first came into the club.
He caught the eye with a goal and an assist in the recent win over West Ham, and Thomas Frank will be desperate to keep him involved regularly.
Lucas Bergvall agreed to join Barcelona before Tottenham deal
Bergvall agreed to join Tottenham on his 18th birthday in February 2024, despite having seemingly been destined to sign for Barcelona in the days prior.
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The Djurgarden starlet was already a regular feature for his side in the Swedish Allsvenskan, and they pocketed a total fee of around £8.5million as part of the deal with the North Londoners.
However, it has now emerged that things could have been very different, had it not been for Dejan Kulusevski.
The Sweden international is understood to have played a key role in convincing his countryman to choose Spurs over Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet AS.
The Blaugrana were on the verge of signing him for a package of around £13m, and even had an agreement in place for personal terms with Bergvall and his entourage.
However, Kulusevski and Spurs were able to tempt the youngster to the Premier League instead, for a package which AS have now suggested rose as high as £17m.
Spurs have long-term midfield star in Lucas Bergvall
It’s already become clear that Spurs have an exceptional talent in Bergvall, and it would be no surprise to see him become a key part of their midfield for many years to come.
The 19-year-old played more football than anyone was expecting last term, as he notched 45 appearances in all competitions in his first campaign outside of his homeland.
Frank will have loved what he has seen from him so far, and performances like his one against West Ham should be the catalyst for more and more minutes to be thrown his way as the season progresses.
Kulusevski has also been exceptional for the Lilywhites in the last few years, but one of his best actions may well have come away from the pitch, in convincing Bergvall to change his mind.