Roberto De Zerbi on Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr's Future
Roberto De Zerbi has drawn a firm line over Lucas Bergvall’s future – but left the door wide open on Pape Sarr and a clutch of Tottenham’s brightest academy talents.
Bergvall going nowhere
With the window edging towards its September 1 close and rumours circling around several Spurs youngsters, De Zerbi was asked directly if he could guarantee Bergvall and Sarr would still be at the club.
On Bergvall, there was no hesitation.
“Lucas Bergvall, 100 per cent,” he replied. The Italian revealed he has already held extensive talks with the midfielder during pre-season and made it clear he sees him as central to his plans.
“We spoke a lot in pre-season. He’s a top player with top potential player. I think now that he wants to stay and we have no problem.”
For Bergvall, the message was unmistakable: Tottenham are building around him, not listening to offers.
Sarr’s future in the balance
The situation around Pape Sarr is far less settled.
The midfielder, who has attracted strong interest from Brentford and is now being pushed hard by Galatasaray, reported back late after spending the summer in Senegal and only started pre-season in the first week of August.
De Zerbi’s assessment was glowing, but his answer on the player’s future was anything but definitive.
“He’s a good player. I don’t know if he stays or not. We have to analyse the situation. But he is another very, very important player.”
Tottenham value Sarr. They also know his stock is high. The coming days will decide whether that turns into a sale or a renewed role under De Zerbi.
Moore and the academy queue
On the flanks, 19-year-old winger Mikey Moore is again being linked with another loan move after last season’s spell at Rangers. De Zerbi likes what he has seen, yet refused to commit either way.
“I am happy with Mikey Moore,” he said. “He is working well. He is a good player. I don’t know or not if he goes on loan. He has big potential for the club.”
Moore is not alone. De Zerbi name-checked Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy as part of the same emerging wave.
“We try to find the best solution for every player we have. Also for Luca Williams-Barnett and Malachi Hardy. Big potentials. We’re proud they come from our academy.”
One youngster ringfenced, another in limbo, several more on the brink of their first real break. For Tottenham’s next generation, the end of this transfer window will shape far more than just the squad list.
