Spurs wonderkid so nearly joined English giants | OneFootball

In a tough season so far, with plenty of lows, 18-year old Lucas Bergvall has been one of the bright sparks for Tottenham Hotspur. At such a tender age - one we can all be guilty of sometimes forgetting just how young - the midfielder has played a number of minutes for the first team this season, and is showing why there was so much hype around his signature.

The goal against Liverpool last night was the real "I'm here" moment for him, with a superb run into the box, and side footed finish past Alisson to give Spurs the win. There is no doubt he will continue to get regular game time for the remainder of this season, and for years to come.

Things could have been different, however - oh so different. It has been reported that back in 2020, Bergvall went on trial at Manchester United, where he impressed, but not enough to be offered a contract.

Tottenham midfielder so nearly joined Manchester United

Then, in 2022, he was offered a second trial with United, now aged 16, and the scouts "fell in love with the player", but the signing was prevented by Brexit rules - the same ruling that denies Luka Vuskovic from joining the club until the summer, when he will be 18.

Therefore, the player remained in Sweden, as he continued to impress - with FC Barcelona swooping in to try and bring him in. However, in January, Spurs also came in for the player, leaving him with a decision to make, and, well, we all know the rest. Couple of close shaves, but the club managed to get their hands on him, and he can now be a big player for years and years to come.

Ironically, Bergvall played a part in Tottenham's win over Manchester United at the end of September. With the 10 man hosts beginning to apply some pressure with the score still 2-0, Ange made a triple change, with the Sweden international one of the players to come on. Moments later, his inswinging corner was flicked on by Pape Matar Sarr, with Dominic Solanke sliding in to make it 3-0 at the back post.

Thank goodness for that. It is so exciting to see how Bergvall develops in a Spurs shirt. As for this season, he is really giving Ange a selection dilemma in that midfield. "Good headache to have" as the cliches tend to go.