Newcastle United’s chase of Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall has taken another twist, with the Magpies reportedly weighing a return with a sweetened bid for the 20-year-old.
Newcastle already tested Spurs earlier in the window with an offer worth around £46 million, only to see it turned down. Even so, word emerged that Tottenham might soften their stance if the Magpies came back with a notably higher number, and one respected transfer reporter suggested Spurs would grudgingly entertain a fresh approach. Bergvall himself had been described as open to a move away from North London in pursuit of more regular football.
That picture shifted sharply, though, after Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi addressed the situation directly with reporters. Asked whether Bergvall wanted to stay, De Zerbi was unequivocal, saying the pair had spoken extensively during pre-season and that he now believes the midfielder is fully committed to Tottenham’s project.
The comments mark a notable change in tone. Earlier reporting had painted Bergvall as a player frustrated by limited opportunities, having managed just 11 Premier League starts last season due to injury, and eager for a move that would let him operate more often in his favoured No. 8 role. That backdrop was what convinced Newcastle to table their opening £46 million bid, well below Tottenham’s reported £60 million valuation, which stalled talks from the outset. More recent reports had even hinted Spurs were coming to terms with a possible sale.
De Zerbi’s remarks complicate that narrative considerably. He appears convinced Bergvall’s mindset has shifted, and there’s a footballing case to back that up: the youngster has looked sharp in pre-season and could realistically fight his way into the regular XI, even with Sandro Tonali’s arrival from Newcastle adding fresh competition in midfield.
For Newcastle, the path forward is murkier than it looked weeks ago. They may still return with an improved offer if they see Bergvall as a long-term building block, but Tottenham now sound far more confident about keeping him.
Either way, the coming days look pivotal. What seemed like a transfer drifting toward an exit now hinges again on Bergvall’s form and his own call on where his future lies.
