As Liverpool search for the final piece to their midfield puzzle this summer, Lucas Bergvall’s name has interestingly entered the conversation.
The Reds rebuilt their midfield in 2023 but, three years on, some minor touching up is likely to be required.
Despite rumours of moves away for all three, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will hopefully all sign new contracts to stay at Liverpool. The picture looks more bleak for Curtis Jones, however, who appears likely to leave.
Got a horrible feeling Slot is going to keep Gakpo in the XI and drop Salah 😬 Who should be the front four vs Forest?
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
As a result, there is a clear need for a ‘fourth man’ in the Liverpool midfield: someone who can rotate in and out of the side while maintaining the standards of the starting XI when called upon. Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Bergvall and the Sweden international could be absolutely ideal.
Only 20, the former Djurgardens sensation is not yet a world-class player, but he has all the tools to become one. Learning from Liverpool’s established first-team stars, Bergvall can develop in time to fulfil his potential as a superb all-rounder.
Lucas Bergvall can become a superstar at Liverpool
It was viewed as quite the coup for Tottenham when Bergvall turned down suitors such as Barcelona to join them in 2024. However, there was the feeling that if the youngster did well, he could make a further step.
So far, it has not really happened for Bergvall at Spurs. Injuries have interrupted his progress this year and he has a disappointing return of eight goal contributions in 71 appearances.
Lucas Bergvall pictured during Tottenham Hotspur's UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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But it’s also fair to point out that the North Londoners have been a basket case throughout his 18 months at the club so far. With European football likely to be off the table in 2026/27, the sale of a top asset like Bergvall has become little more likely. According to Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt, Spurs have put a tentative asking price of £57m on the midfielder with that in mind, although they would rather not sell.
While that price may seem high for a player who would be coming in as back-up, it could ultimately turn out to be a bargain for Liverpool. A complete midfielder who is brilliant at progressing the ball and has the tools to dominate physically as well, there are some similarities in his game to Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai himself was signed for £60m, and although he was seen as an immediate starter, if Liverpool can get a player of similar stature in before he fully develops, it could be a masterstroke. The benefits of such a move may not pay off immediately, but as Bergvall grows into the team, which he undoubtedly would, it would seem like a real bargain.
Anyone else getting that sinking feeling ahead of Sunday?
Why are we SO bad against Forest?
Arne Slot gestures at his watch during Liverpool's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill
Who would Bergvall replace in the long-term?
Given the fact that he has only just turned 20 this February, Bergvall could bide his time as a rotational option for Liverpool for a year or two.
Reds fans should be hoping that their current midfield sticks around long enough to eventually make way for him, and in that scenario Mac Allister would probably be the one to drop out.
In two years’ time, a midfield of a 25-year-old Gravenberch, 27-year-old Szoboszlai and a 22-year-old Bergvall – not to mention a 24-year-old Florian Wirtz – looks about as complete as it’s possible to get.
There is an argument that Liverpool still need an elite ball-winner, something Bergvall certainly is not, but even if that player is acquired this summer, someone of the Spurs’ man’s talents is needed.
Jones himself is something of an all-rounder, but what he occasionally lacks is that physical edge that can just set him apart. He’s tall but slight, while Bergvall is tall and somewhat more stocky. As Liverpool look to replace their Scouser, they are not going to do it on the cheap. But in Tottenham’s No. 15, they may be looking at the best value out there on the market.
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