Manchester United may get a third opportunity to sign Lucas Bergvall after two previous failed attempts. The 20-year-old midfielder underwent trials with the club on two occasions before completing his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2024.
Bergvall's rise at Tottenham
Bergvall emerged as a standout performer during his debut season with Tottenham, securing the supporters' player of the year accolade. The Sweden international established himself as a key player under Ange Postecoglou and proved instrumental in the club's Europa League triumph, though injury ruled him out of the final against United.
However, Bergvall is claimed to be weighing up his future after slipping down the pecking order at Spurs, who are pursuing Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. BBC Sport has reported that Bergvall's representatives have held discussions with Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea.
United's previous interest
United showed their interest in Bergvall during the Sweden international's teenage years. His reported willingness to depart Spurs this summer presents United with a fresh chance to bring him to Old Trafford.
Bergvall's initial trial spell at United took place in 2020, shortly before Brexit rules barred clubs from signing under-18 players from abroad. He subsequently returned to Carrington in 2022, despite United being unable to sign the Swedish talent until 2024.
Manchester Evening News has previously reported that changes within the recruitment department meant United failed to complete a deal for Bergvall during his second trial. He joined Swedish outfit Djurgarden later that year, where his displays caught Spurs' attention and prompted their approach.
Current situation
Following an impressive start at Tottenham, he fell out of favour last term during a difficult season for the club. Bergvall managed only 11 league starts as his progress was halted.
The talented midfielder is considering his future as Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi targets Tonali. United are already familiar with Bergvall's ability and what he could bring to the squad as Michael Carrick's team go through their own midfield overhaul.
United are searching for central midfielders following Casemiro's departure this summer. The Red Devils have already secured a deal for Atalanta's Ederson and have been linked with various other players.
Comparisons to Frenkie de Jong
Bergvall's circumstances offer United a chance to rectify past mistakes. Additionally, he has been compared to Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, one of United's previous transfer targets.
"His best position is as a number eight," Djurgarden sports coordinator Peter Kisfaludy told football.london in 2024. "He's a box-to-box player, running into the box and he's really good at playing the ball between the lines. He's a little copy of Frenkie de Jong. He's really fast with the ball, really good with the ball and a fantastic dribbler."
Bergvall will be keen to nail down a regular starting berth next season following a stop-start campaign with Spurs. While securing a place in United's midfield would be no easy feat, the talented youngster could bring an end to a transfer saga that first began six years ago by making the move to Old Trafford.
