Newcastle United’s pursuit of Lucas Bergvall has taken another dramatic turn just as the Magpies approach the point at which they could return to Tottenham Hotspur with an improved offer for the midfielder.
Virtually everything had been pointing toward Bergvall’s departure from the London club, either to Newcastle or elsewhere. The Magpies have already seen a £46 million (€53 million) bid rejected, but Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reported of late that Tottenham would “reluctantly” consider an improved
proposal. Bergvall, meanwhile, had reportedly told Tottenham about his preference to seek a new challenge with more regular playing time out of London.
On Friday, however, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi offered a completely different assessment, telling reporters that he believes Bergvall has changed his mind and wants to remain in North London.
“Lucas Bergvall, 100 per cent,” De Zerbi said when asked whether the midfielder wants to stay. “We spoke a lot in pre-season. He’s a top player, a top potential player. I like he stays, but I think now he wants to stay and we have no problem.”
De Zerbi’s comments represent a significant U-turn from the situation reported earlier this summer. The Athletic reported in June that Bergvall wanted a new opportunity to secure more first-team soccer in his preferred No. 8 role after an injury-disrupted campaign in which he started only 11 Premier League games.
Newcastle subsequently tested Tottenham with its £46 million offer, while Spurs reportedly valued the 20-year-old closer to £60 million (€69 million). O’Rourke recently reported that Tottenham was becoming “increasingly resigned” to losing Bergvall and would seriously consider another Newcastle proposal, at that figure or a cut price.
De Zerbi’s latest comments directly challenge that narrative, although they do not necessarily end Newcastle’s pursuit. Tottenham has strengthened its midfield significantly, including signing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, while Bergvall has performed well throughout preseason and could end up finding a place in Tottenham’s XI if he keeps his game up.
Do you think Newcastle should keep testing Tottenham as the transfer deadline approaches, or move to another target entirely? Let us know in the comments below.
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