Lucas Bergvall: Why Europe’s Top Clubs Are Racing to Sign Sweden’s 17-Year-Old Midfield Wonder

Lucas Bergvall is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about teenagers in European football, and Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to beat Barcelona to his signature already looks inspired. Barely a year after arriving from Djurgårdens IF, the 19-year-old Sweden international has forced his way into Ange Postecoglou’s midfield rotation, earned rave reviews from Spurs coaches and even triggered early comparisons with Luka Modrić and Dejan Kulusevski among supporters and pundits alike. Tottenham’s long-term plan pays off When Spurs completed a €25 million deal in February 2024, sporting director Johan Lange sold Bergvall on the promise of a clear pathway to first-team minutes. That strategy appears to be paying dividends: the Stockholm-born playmaker has already surpassed 50 senior appearances in all competitions and recently signed a new six-year contract that keeps him tied to the north London club until 2031. ‘Something special’ inside the Spurs engine room Assistant coach Mile Kisfaludy described his first impression of Bergvall with a memorable expletive, telling Goal that he immediately knew “this is something special” after a single training session. Postecoglou values the youngster’s press resistance, vision and two-footed passing range, often deploying him as the advanced No. 8 in a 4-3-3. According to Opta data, Bergvall averages 7.1 progressive carries and 2.4 key passes per 90 minutes in Premier League action this season—numbers that rank him inside the division’s top 10 for midfielders under 21. Injury scare turns into surprise boost ahead of Europa League final Spurs fans feared the worst when Bergvall limped off against West Ham in early April, but the teenager shocked observers by joining full training ahead of the Europa League showdown with Manchester United. Club medical staff credit his quick return to an individualized strength program designed to add muscle mass without sacrificing agility. What Sweden’s next golden generation looks like National-team boss Jon Dahl Tomasson handed Bergvall his senior debut in March’s Nations League win over Norway, pairing him with Juventus star Kulusevski in a double pivot that overwhelmed Martin Ødegaard’s side. With Alexander Isak leading the line and Viktor Gyökeres hitting prolific form at Sporting CP, Swedish supporters are already dreaming of a deep Euro 2028 run. Scouting report: strengths and areas to grow Strengths • Close control under pressure • Forward-thinking passing into the half-spaces • Tireless off-ball pressing that fits Postecoglou’s high line Areas to improve • Needs to diversify shooting techniques—only 29 % of attempts hit the target this season • Occasional over-eagerness in tackles leads to avoidable yellow cards Transfer talk: Real Madrid keep watching Despite his new deal, Spanish outlets continue to link Bergvall with Real Madrid, who reportedly sent scouts to three consecutive Spurs matches in August. Tottenham remain relaxed, banking on a valuation north of €90 million and the player’s publicly stated desire to emulate Kulusevski’s career trajectory in England. What’s next? Bergvall is expected to start Sunday’s North London derby, where his ability to bypass Arsenal’s press could prove decisive. A strong performance there would only intensify the hype surrounding a midfielder many in Sweden believe is the country’s biggest talent since Zlatan Ibrahimović.