{"id":254669,"date":"2026-07-25T19:45:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T19:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/25\/better-than-bergvall-why-spurs-want-to-sign-a-third-midfielder\/"},"modified":"2026-07-25T19:45:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T19:45:13","slug":"better-than-bergvall-why-spurs-want-to-sign-a-third-midfielder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/25\/better-than-bergvall-why-spurs-want-to-sign-a-third-midfielder\/","title":{"rendered":"Better than Bergvall: Why Spurs want to sign a third midfielder"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Despite finishing the last two Premier League<\/a> campaigns in 17th position, there\u2019s a cautious sense of optimism building at Tottenham Hotspur<\/a> during the summer window.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Roberto De Zerbi<\/a> has already splashed over \u00a3230m on new additions, with the main focus on being completing an overhaul of the Lilywhites\u2019 midfield department.<\/p>\n

Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have both already arrived for a combined \u00a3185m, with both deals breaking the club\u2019s transfer record in the process.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Both will provide quality and Premier League<\/a> experience to the heart of the Italian\u2019s side, but it could spell bad news for one player who looks set to leave North London.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n What the future holds for Lucas Bergvall at Spurs<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Despite the struggles in the Premier League last term, midfielder Lucas Bergvall<\/a> was a player who often provided a shining light – as seen by his tally of one goal and three assists.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s no secret that football has become a brutal industry, with the Swedish star going from a key player to a potential outcast after the summer business.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"lucas-bergvall-spurs\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The player has stated his desire to leave the Lilywhites for pastures new this window, leading to Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United both making offers for the 20-year-old.<\/p>\n

Speaking ahead of Spurs\u2019 latest pre-season clash this morning, De Zerbi said: \u201cI have not spoken with Lucas yet, I will in the next days. And we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Fewest mins played Spurs CMs in the PL (2025\/26)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

\n

Player<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\n

Tally<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Callum Olusesi<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Yves Bissouma<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

605<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Lucas Bergvall<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

966<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Conor Gallagher<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1190<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Pape Sarr<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1391<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Archie Gray<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1479<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Rodrigo Bentancur<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1892<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

Joao Palhinha<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

2197<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n

\u201cWithout problems, Lucas is a big, big talent. There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will be two players for each position. If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

Such comments have no doubt opened the door for the youngster to explore moves away from North London – with previous reports claiming he wants to join Oliver Glasner\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

His current \u00a360m asking price could prove to be a stumbling block in any transfer, but it would showcase phenomenal business from the Lilywhites, having signed him for \u00a38m two years ago.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n How Spurs can land a player a class above Bergvall this summer<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n

Despite moves for Tonali and Fernandes already this summer, the Spurs hierarchy have set their sights on a move for a third midfield signing to bolster De Zerbi\u2019s ranks.<\/p>\n

Bournemouth star Alex Scott has appeared on the club\u2019s radar over recent days<\/a>, but it\u2019s unlikely the Lilywhites will spend another \u00a380m, given the moves for the aforementioned duo.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Alex-Scott-Bournemouth\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

As a result, cheaper alternatives will have to be considered ahead of the 2026\/27 campaign, which has seen former Chelsea star N\u2019Golo Kante<\/a> linked with a move to North London.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been reported by Turkish journalist Talha Arslan that Spurs have expressed an interest in landing<\/a> the Frenchman from Super Lig club Fenerbah\u00e7e this summer.<\/p>\n

He fails to mention how much a deal for the 35-year-old could cost this window, but he would be a player who could offer proven top-level quality to De Zerbi\u2019s ranks.<\/p>\n

The midfielder only arrived in Turkey back in February, but could be set for a return to England three years after leaving London rivals Chelsea to join Al Ittihad.<\/p>\n

Kante is undoubtedly coming to the back end of his professional career, but he could offer an experienced option to help the likes of Tonali and Fernandes with their development.<\/p>\n

Such a move would no doubt see Bergvall pushed further down the pecking order and move closer to the exit door – but who can blame the Lilywhites for going after a world-class operator?<\/p>\n

The French star boasts two Premier League titles, a Champions League and World Cup trophy to his name – which certainly makes him a class above the Swedish international.<\/p>\n

Despite his age, Kante managed to better Bergvall in various key areas last season, subsequently completing more of the dribbles and passes he attempted in European competitions.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"ngolo-kante-france\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

He also offered a superb option without the ball, subsequently winning 56% of his ground duels and making 2.9 tackles per 90 – both figures way above those produced by the 20-year-old.<\/p>\n

To further highlight how impressive such numbers were, he ranked above 85% of all players on the continent in the aforementioned departments – backing up Frankie Lampard\u2019s claim that he\u2019s \u201cone of the best midfielders in the world<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kante\u2019s tally of 6.2 ball recoveries and 1.6 interceptions made also placed him in the top 20% of midfielders in Europe and demonstrates his elite-level ability to disrupt the opposition.<\/p>\n

\n
\n \"Chelsea-midfielder-Ngolo-Kante\"\n <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

At 35, he may be a signing that very few Spurs fans will get on board with, but he would add a proven Premier League option to the heart of De Zerbi\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no denying he would only be brought in as a squad option, but his previous levels in England\u2019s top-flight could hand Tonali and Fernandes the perfect chance to learn from the French star.<\/p>\n

Such a move would also free up Bergvall to complete a move away from North London, which could see the Lilywhites recoup another staggering sum for a fringe first-team player.<\/p>\n