Fabrizio Romano has explained that the fact that Lucas Bergvall turns 18 today plays right into Tottenham’s hands as the midfielder is now allowed to sign a professional contract with the North London side.
Spurs fans who went to bed early on transfer deadline day, anticipating a quiet end to the window, would have woken up to a big surprise this morning.
According to various reports that broke on Thursday night, the Lilywhites have managed to secure the services of one of the most highly-rated young talents in Swedish football, with Bergvall now expected to pen a five-year contract with the Premier League side (David Orsntien).
Various outlets have suggested that Barcelona were quite confident of winning the race for the midfielder until Thursday morning but Tottenham swopped in late in the window, offering more money and promising the youngster a place in their first team, thus beating the Catalan giants to the punch (Matteo Moretto).
Why Bergvall’s birthday became crucial for Spurs
Another fact that played right into Spurs’ hands is the face that Bergvall celebrates his 18th birthday today.
Owing to rules regarding work permits in England, players from outside the country cannot sign a professional contract with English clubs until they turn 18, which is why Luka Vuskovic would have to spend another year and a half out on loan.
However, with Bergvall turning 18 today, the midfielder can now pen a contract at Hotspur Way and go straight into Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad.
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Had Bergvell’s birthday been a few months later, Tottenham would have had to loan him out until the end of the season and that might have given Barcelona an advantage in the race for the teenager’s signature.