Tottenham may have a battle on their hands to hold onto a key first-team star this summer.
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The future of Tottenham Hotspur appears as uncertain as that of any club in the Premier League at present, with the north London outfit just five points outside the bottom three and having endured a worrying slide down the Premier League table which led to the sacking of Thomas Frank.
Igor Tudor has arrived as the club’s head coach until the end of the season and is tasked with preventing Spurs from suffering arguably the most disastrous relegation in Premier League history. In terms of the size of club, at least, with the recent ‘big six’ appearing unbreakable until Spurs’ slide over the past two seasons.
If the unthinkable happens – or even if it doesn’t, but Spurs finish 15th and crash out of the Champions League – question marks will lie over the futures of several of the club’s biggest stars in the summer. Micky van de Ven has been linked with a move away, with Liverpool believed to be interested. Latest reports reveal that he is not the only Spurs star on the Reds’ radar.
Liverpool and Aston Villa could launch swoop for Lucas Bergvall
Reports by TEAMtalk state that Liverpool are ‘poised’ to join Aston Villa in the race for Lucas Bergvall, with both clubs thought to be monitoring the Swede’s situation amidst uncertainty in north London.
Villa are keeping a ‘close eye’ on the player and are reportedly ready to test Tottenham’s resolve with an offer for the 20-year-old midfielder, earmarked as one of the brightest prospects at Spurs. Unai Emery’s side are long-term admirers and reportedly made a surprise approach in January, which was swiftly knocked back. The move might appear more attractive in the summer, though, if Villa secure Champions League football and Spurs’ own league position leads to financial questions.
The stance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium thus far has been ‘clear in that he is not for sale’. But Villa and Liverpool appear to be ready to make a move despite this, with the Lilywhites set to demand a high-ball fee to deter suitors.
Bergvall a star of the present and future - but will it be at Spurs?
Six-cap Sweden international Bergvall signed for Spurs for a reported £8.5m from Djurgarden in 2024, featuring 45 times in his first season in England and winning Supporters’ Player of the Year as the north Londoners secured Europa League glory.
He has only featured 26 times this term, though, currently out with an ankle injury which is expected to keep him side-lined for a further six weeks. He was also often played out of position by former boss Frank, meaning his rapid development has stalled somewhat.
Tottenham view Bergvall as one of the top talents in Europe, something which has also been noted by Liverpool and Aston Villa. While Emery’s side might view the Sweden gem as the future of their midfield alongside experienced players such as John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Douglas Luiz, Liverpool are constantly scouring the market for young players capable of stepping up and aiding the Reds in their quest to take back the Premier League title in the coming seasons.
Either destination offers its clear advantages and is arguably a more attractive proposition at present than the circus going on at Spurs. Bergvall evidently has supreme talent and might be best-placed to realise it elsewhere – though the Lilywhites will certainly make it difficult for the midfielder to be prised away from their grasp.