A Premier League star who previously had trials at Manchester United is reportedly weighing up his future this summer
Manchester United could have a third chance to sign Lucas Bergvall after suffering two missed opportunities. The 20-year-old midfielder twice had trials with the club before he signed for Tottenham Hotspur in 2024.
Bergvall was a breakthrough star in his first campaign with Tottenham, clinching the supporters’ player of the year award. The Sweden international became a regular under Ange Postecoglou and played a key role in the club’s journey to Europa League glory, despite missing the final against United through injury.
However, it has been claimed that Bergvall is currently exploring his options after falling down the pecking order at Spurs, who are targeting Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. It has been reported by BBC Sport that Bergvall’s representatives have held talks with Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.
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United demonstrated their interest in Bergvall when the Sweden international was a teenager. His reported desire to leave Spurs this summer gives United a green light to revive their pursuit.
Bergvall’s first trial period at United came in 2020, shortly before Brexit regulations prevented clubs from recruiting under-18 players from overseas. He later returned to Carrington in 2022, despite United not being able to sign the Swedish prospect until 2024.
MEN Sport has previously reported that a turnover of recruitment staff contributed to United not finalising a move for Bergvall during his second trial. He signed for Swedish side Djurgarden later that year, where his performances prompted Spurs to make their move.
After becoming an instant hit at Tottenham, he lost his place in the side last term due to managerial changes. Bergvall earned just 11 league starts as his career stalled.
The gifted midfielder is weighing up his options as Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi targets Tonali. United are already aware of Bergvall’s potential and what he could add to the squad as Michael Carrick’s side undergo their own midfield rebuild.
United are in the market for central midfielders following Casemiro’s exit this summer. The Reds have already struck a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson and have been linked with several other players.
Bergvall’s situation presents United with an opportunity to correct past mistakes. Moreover, he has previously been likened to Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, one of United’s former transfer targets.
"His best position is as a number eight,” Djurgarden sports coordinator Peter Kisfaludy told football.london in 2024. “He's a box-to-box player, running into the box and he's really good at playing the ball between the lines.
“He's a little copy of Frenkie de Jong. He's really fast with the ball, really good with the ball and a fantastic dribbler."
Bergvall will be eager to earn regular starts next season after a disjointed campaign with Sputs. While guaranteeing a spot in United’s midfield would be a tough task, the young midfielder could end a transfer saga that began six years ago by arriving at Old Trafford.