TA: Tottenham reject bids for Bergvall, midfielder to stay until at least January

According to The Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur changed their long-standing approach to selling players in the transfer market this summer.

In the past, Tottenham often kept unhappy players for too long while their market values declined. In the last six months, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has repeatedly said publicly that the club needed a different strategy.

Tottenham allowed Luka Vuskovic, Pape Sarr and Danso to leave after they requested moves. Vicario, Spence and Cristian Romero transferred to Juventus, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid respectively. Richarlison stayed after interest from Everton and Trabzonspor. Spurs recovered more than £130 million from player sales this summer.

However, they did not let Lucas Bergvall leave.

The Sweden international had expressed a desire to leave, with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United making offers for the 20-year-old.

Forest were confident of completing the deal, but Bergvall remained a Tottenham player.

After the English transfer window closed, Bergvall would remain at Tottenham until at least January.

Bergvall joined Tottenham from Djurgarden in summer 2024 for £8.5 million.

He initially mainly featured in cup competitions before injuries created more opportunities.

Bergvall later signed a new six-year contract and won Tottenham's supporters' player of the season award.

The two-year project appeared ahead of schedule but then suffered a setback last season.

He scored in the league, but the new manager tried him in different midfield roles.

Bergvall suffered an injury and saw his playing time reduced.

Sources said he was frustrated after being used in unfamiliar positions during training.

De Zerbi wanted him to develop into a right-sided midfielder.

Concerns over playing time were among the reasons he considered leaving.

Nottingham Forest identified Bergvall as a midfield target.

Forest were looking for midfield replacements after selling Elliott Anderson.

Forest showed strong interest in Bergvall.

Tottenham rejected Forest's offer, while Newcastle later submitted a £46 million bid.

Tottenham would have considered a sale for around £60 million with a significant sell-on clause.

Forest felt Tottenham's asking price was too high.

Forest then looked at developing other midfield options.

Newcastle also completed other midfield recruitment.

Bergvall's future remained uncertain during pre-season.

After talks with De Zerbi, Bergvall became more optimistic about staying.

De Zerbi said he wanted Bergvall to remain at the club.

Bergvall remained open to leaving but impressed during pre-season.

De Zerbi said young players need to experience matches to develop.

Bergvall already had significant experience in the Premier League and Champions League.

He now needs to prove he deserves more opportunities.

He performed well in a cup match but was unused in the following league game.

De Zerbi discussed Bergvall's summer situation.

De Zerbi said Bergvall wanted to stay and had huge potential.

De Zerbi hopes to help Bergvall reach his full potential.

If opportunities remain limited, Bergvall may reconsider the transfer options he had this summer.