De Zerbi sets Tottenham commitment test as Bergvall future comes into focus

Roberto de Zerbi has made clear that Tottenham players lacking motivation to remain at the club should leave. His comments come as Lucas Bergvall’s future is uncertain following a rejected Nottingham Forest bid and reports of a possible improved offer.

Bergvall is still with Spurs on their pre-season trip to New Zealand, but his role has become less clear after limited minutes under De Zerbi late last season and major midfield additions including Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. De Zerbi said he has not yet spoken with Bergvall, but expects talks soon to settle what is best for the player and the club.

Tottenham’s wider squad rebuild is also continuing. The club have strengthened in defence with Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while De Zerbi indicated attacking positions remain an area to complete before the window closes.

There are also fitness questions around key attacking players. Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski did not travel because of long-term injuries, while Xavi Simons has described the severity of his recovery from an ACL injury suffered in April.