Lucas Bergvall Wants Out of Tottenham. Here’s Why.

Tottenham handed Lucas Bergvall a contract extension through 2031 in April 2025.

Just over a year later, he’s told the club he wants to leave.

Two Lost Seasons

Injuries, not just tactics, are at the heart of this.

Bergvall suffered an ankle injury in May 2025 that ended his first Spurs season early, he even missed the Europa League semi-final he’d helped the team reach. He recovered in time to feature heavily under Thomas Frank in 2025-26, but a second, more serious ankle injury against Borussia Dortmund in January required surgery and ruled him out for roughly three months.

By the time Roberto De Zerbi replaced Frank late in the season, Bergvall was fighting for fitness and form simultaneously. The numbers tell the story:

• 33 appearances, 867 Premier League minutes in 2025-26
• 1 goal, 2 assists across the campaign
• Just 112 minutes and 1 start across De Zerbi’s six games in charge

Why De Zerbi Isn’t a Natural Fit

De Zerbi favors a double pivot in midfield. Bergvall is more of an attacking number eight, built to operate further forward.

That mismatch matters more now. Spurs are rebuilding the engine room around De Zerbi’s preferences, chasing West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, and pushing hard for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali after an initial £80 million bid was turned down (talks have reportedly progressed since). With Rodrigo Bentancur and Conor Gallagher also first-choice options, minutes for Bergvall next season were never guaranteed.

The Leverage Question

Tottenham technically hold all the power here. Bergvall is contracted until 2031, they don’t have to sell anyone.

But keeping a player who’s made his unhappiness public rarely benefits either side long-term.

Spurs are believed to value Bergvall above £57 million, a steep rise from the £8.5 million they paid Djurgården in 2024. How close they get to that figure may hinge on his World Cup form with Sweden, strong displays raise interest and price; a quiet tournament strengthens Tottenham’s hand instead.

Who’s Watching

Chelsea and Aston Villa made contact before this request became public, and Bayern Munich have also been mentioned as admirers.

• Chelsea could need midfield cover if Enzo Fernandez departs for Real Madrid
• Aston Villa, building for Champions League football under Unai Emery, want added depth
• Bayern’s interest carries some history — Bergvall trialed there as a teenager and held talks with Barcelona before choosing Tottenham

For now, both player and club have a decision to make. Bergvall needs to convince a new manager he fits a system built without him in mind. Tottenham need to decide whether keeping him unhappy is worth more than selling him at a near sevenfold profit.