Roberto De Zerbi sends Tottenham warning as Lucas Bergvall exit looms

Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that any Tottenham player who is not fully committed to the club should seek a move elsewhere, as uncertainty continues to surround Lucas Bergvall's future during the summer transfer window. Speaking ahead of Spurs' pre-season friendly against Auckland FC in New Zealand, the Italian manager stressed that motivation and commitment are non-negotiable as he prepares for his first full campaign in charge.

Tottenham have already rejected an opening £38 million bid from Nottingham Forest for Bergvall, with reports suggesting Forest are preparing an improved offer worth around £45 million. Despite the speculation, De Zerbi insisted his priority is building a squad made up of players who genuinely want to represent the club.

The Spurs head coach reiterated the stance he adopted immediately after taking charge earlier this year.

"I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham," De Zerbi said.

"I said, who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham? Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave.

"I want the players to be proud and happy to stay here, to go on the pitch in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with big motivation. Because now in football, if you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference."

His comments come at a time when Tottenham are reshaping their squad following a busy transfer window and after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.

Bergvall joined Tottenham from Swedish side Djurgarden in 2024 and was regarded as one of Europe's brightest young midfielders. However, opportunities became limited following De Zerbi's arrival.

The 20-year-old started De Zerbi's first match in charge, a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland, but featured only four more times from the bench during the remainder of the campaign.

De Zerbi confirmed that he has not yet held detailed discussions with the Sweden international.

"I have not spoken with Lucas yet," he explained.

"I will in the next days and we will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us, without problems. Lucas is a big, big talent.

"If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham. It's not my business after the decision to leave."

Competition for midfield places has increased significantly following Tottenham's summer recruitment.

Spurs have invested heavily across the squad, bringing in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for £100 million and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85 million.

Defensive reinforcements have also arrived in the form of Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

Despite those additions, De Zerbi confirmed Tottenham are still targeting further attacking signings before the transfer window closes.

"First of all, I think it's not finished yet, our transfer market window," he said.

"We have to finish, we have to bring another couple of, maybe more, maybe not less, but a couple of players."

Strengthening the forward line appears to have become an even greater priority given the current injury situation.

Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski did not travel with the squad to New Zealand as they continue their recoveries from long-term injuries.

De Zerbi revealed Kudus is nearing a return.

"Kudus is very close. I think when we come back to London he will be available to start working with us. It's a great thing for us."

Kulusevski's recovery is progressing more cautiously after a lengthy absence.

"We have to see in the next couple of weeks. After one complete season without a game, we have to analyse better and better, don't take risks."

Meanwhile, Xavi Simons reflected on the serious anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in April, which ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup.

"The first four days were the worst days of my life," the Dutch midfielder told Tottenham's official website.

"I couldn't sleep, I didn't eat for one week. I was in a lot of pain. I was vomiting and felt dizzy. That pain, I don't wish no-one to go through."

Simons added that he is now recovering well and is in a much better place as he works towards his return.

Tottenham's immediate focus remains their pre-season tour, but significant transfer decisions are expected over the coming weeks. Bergvall's future is likely to become clearer after discussions with De Zerbi, while the club continues its search for additional attacking reinforcements. The return of Kudus could provide an early boost ahead of the new Premier League season, although Spurs are expected to remain active in the market before the window closes.