Tottenham have U-turned on Bergwijn transfer after Conte change of mind – pundit
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has U-turned on Steven Bergwijn and wants to keep him for the remainder of the season.
That is the view of former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 24-year-old’s future in north London.
Conte rewarded Bergwijn for his heroics at Leicester City in midweek with a start at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Netherlands international’s future has been subject of great speculation this month.
According to Sky Sports (20 January), Spurs have rejected a £15million bid from Ajax for the winger.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on Bergwijn’s future, Phillips said:
“I would keep him because he is a quality player to have in your squad. He gives Conte something a little bit different to other players. He’s direct, he runs at players and he scores goals.
“Why would you allow him to leave? To replace a player like that would cost you an absolute fortune.
“He’s proven that he has the qualities to be effective in the Premier League. Why would you want to let him go? Unless he has asked to leave, I would make use of the qualities he’s got.
“I think Conte has realised that after the Leicester match. I’m sure he wants to keep him now.”
Bergwijn has contributed three goals and two assists in 14 appearances this season.
His contract expires in June 2025.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has told Tottenham to play ‘politics’ and scrap ‘infuriating’ rule hated by Conte.