Lucas Bergvall surprise as Barcelona left fuming at Tottenham developments
Tottenham Hotspur signing Lucas Bergvall from Djurgardens has been one of the few success stories for their transfer policy this season.
Bergvall has been thrown in at the deep end amid an injury crisis affecting almost every position for Spurs, making 38 appearances in all competitions and scoring in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
While fellow teenage summer signing Archie Gray’s versatility has seen him moved all over the place in an often makeshift Tottenham backline, Bergvall has staked his claim in midfield.
Tottenham beat several European heavyweights to sign a 17-year-old Bergvall back in February 2024, and it’s become clear that the Swede, now 19, will be a mainstay for years to come.
Djurgardens chief reveals Barcelona ‘surprise’ in Bergvall talks
Of the clubs Tottenham surpassed to sign Bergvall for £8.5million 13 months ago, Barcelona went closest to signing the teenager ahead of them, and had been expected to seal the deal at Spurs’ expense.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| Lucas Bergvall | 38 | 19 | 1 | 4 | 8 |
However, speaking on SVT Play (21 March), Djurgardens’ sporting director Bo Andersson has admitted the “surprise” and “disappointment” Barcelona expressed after missing out on Bergvall’s signature.
In quotes reported by SportBladet (21 March), Andersson said: “He is an interesting football player, Lucas Bergvall, and has always been talented.
“We had the privilege of discussing with perhaps one of Europe’s biggest football clubs – Barcelona, who were interested.
“I think Barcelona were quite surprised, because you don’t just go to Barcelona to watch, go there and eat tapas and see if it’s nice.
“I think they were extremely disappointed that he went to Tottenham – but the choice itself has proven to be absolutely right, he has come to Tottenham and has become an established Premier League player.”
Tottenham reap rewards for Bergvall investment
Beating Barcelona to the signature of one of Europe’s most promising youngsters has proven to be some statement by Tottenham, and Bergvall’s immediate impact has justified their faith in the youngster.
Persevering to sign the teenager, who was, according to Andersson, wined and dined by Barcelona in their attempt to convince him, displays the attraction Spurs can still provide, despite a lack of success.
Bergvall was barely two years old when Tottenham last won silverware, and unless Ange Postecoglou’s side can go all the way in the Europa League, he will reach his twenties with Spurs still trophyless.
His development has been one of the few positives this term, and as Tottenham prepare for a summer of upheaval in North London, Bergvall’s story could attract other promising youngsters to their cause.