Barcelona still remain upset over missing out on Lucas Bergvall to Tottenham Hotspur in 2024
Lucas Bergvall has continued to enhance his stock at Tottenham Hotspur with his first goal in the Premier League against West Ham United.
The central midfielder netted a fantastic goal at the weekend as he made a late run in the box between two West Ham defenders and met Cristian Romero’s inch-perfect long ball with a towering header past Mads Hermansen. Back in the starting XI, he was imperious as an advanced midfielder, connecting the midfield and attack very smartly.
After scoring a goal, Lucas Bergvall showed the creative side of his game with an assist for Micky van de Ven, who expertly finished with his weaker right foot to seal the points against West Ham and earn the Lilywhites the derby bragging rights. For a composed display at the London Stadium, the Sweden international has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Matchweek.
Barcelona still gutted from missing out on Lucas Bergvall to Tottenham
But how did Spurs get their icy hands on Bergvall? Back in January 2024, both Tottenham and Barcelona wanted the teenage sensation, but the former were the club that managed to seal his signature.
According to a report from Spanish outlet AS (h/t Sport Witness), the Swedish midfielder appeared set on a move to Barcelona having ‘packed his bags’, after they reached an agreement with him for personal terms and Djurgarden for a transfer fee of around €15m. However, Spurs ruined the operation and snatched Bergvall under Barcelona’s noses.
Bergvall’s compatriot Dejan Kulusevski and a Tottenham official played a crucial role in persuading him to snub the Catalan club and join the Lilywhites at the start of February 2024. As a result, the report (h/t Sport Witness) adds Barcelona are still disappointed with them missing out on the 19-year-old to Tottenham till date.
Credit to Tottenham scouts for spotting Bergvall
Tottenham scouts did a great job back then by spotting Bergvall and perhaps sending glowing reports to the London offices that convinced the club to move for him last year. Former chairman Daniel Levy should be applauded here for his proactive approach and working swiftly on this operation to beat Barcelona to the Swede’s signature. And it has not taken much time for the player to showcase his talent in the Premier League and Europe.
Bergvall impressed with his technical skills, movement, maturity and reading of the game in his debut season in N17, becoming a crucial player in Ange Postecoglou’s XI. Under Frank, he has shown signs of development and remains keen to lock down his place in midfield. The Scandinavian talent is excited for his first taste of Champions League football on Tuesday when Spurs host Villarreal in their opener.
Given Bergvall’s top-class display at West Ham, Frank may be tempted to hand him a start against Villarreal.
