Unhappy Tottenham players should leave - De Zerbi

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi has said any player who is not happy or proud to remain at the club should move on this summer. Speaking before Spurs’ pre-season friendly against Auckland FC in New Zealand on Sunday, De Zerbi framed motivation and commitment as central to the squad he wants to build after taking charge at the end of March and helping the club avoid Premier League relegation last season.

The comments come as Lucas Bergvall’s future is uncertain. According to the BBC, Tottenham have turned down an initial £38m offer from Nottingham Forest for the 20-year-old Sweden midfielder, with Forest expected to return with a £45m proposal. Bergvall joined Spurs from Djurgarden in 2024 but had limited involvement after De Zerbi arrived, starting the manager’s first match and then making four substitute appearances.

De Zerbi said he had not yet spoken with Bergvall but planned to do so in the coming days, adding that any decision would be made with the interests of the club, the player and staff in mind. He described Bergvall as a major talent, while also noting competition for midfield places after Tottenham signed Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for £100m and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m.

The BBC also reported that Tottenham’s transfer work is not complete, with De Zerbi saying the club’s next priority is strengthening attacking positions. Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski did not travel to New Zealand because of injury recoveries, while Xavi Simons discussed the severe pain and disruption he experienced after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April.