Full Breakdown
Tottenham Rejects Nottingham Forest’s Bid for Swedish Midfielder Lucas Bergvall
7/16/2026, 8:38:30 PM
Core Transfer Development
Tottenham Hotspur have turned down an initial offer from Nottingham Forest for 20-year-old Sweden international Lucas Bergvall. Forest’s opening bid, reported at £38 million, was rejected, and the north London club is understood to be seeking a fee in the region of £50 million. Sources indicate Forest may return with an improved offer of around £45 million, but no agreement has been reached. Bergvall, who joined Spurs from Djurgården for £8.5 million in 2024, is under contract until June 2031 but has informed the club of his desire to leave this summer.
Background & Context
Tottenham entered the 2026 summer window with a major overhaul under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, adding six signings—including goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, defenders Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and midfielders Mateus Fernandes (£85 million) and Sandro Tonali (up to £100 million). The influx of high-profile midfield talent has reduced Bergvall’s playing time; he made 23 Premier League appearances for a total of 966 minutes, often deployed out of position or on the wing.
Nottingham Forest are rebuilding after selling Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £116 million—a profit of more than £100 million on a player originally bought for £15 million (plus a £20 million make-weight). Forest’s record signing last summer was Omari Hutchinson for £37.5 million, a figure they would need to exceed to secure Bergvall.
Key Figures & Groups
- Lucas Bergvall – Swedish midfielder, Tottenham player of the season 2024/25, World Cup squad member.
- Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham head coach, responsible for the summer signings that have limited Bergvall’s role.
- Oliver Glasner – Newly appointed Nottingham Forest head coach, seeking midfield reinforcements.
- Elliot Anderson – Forest’s former midfield star, now at Manchester City for £116 million.
- Pep Guardiola – Manchester City manager, quoted describing Bergvall as “unstoppable.”
Data & Statistics
- Transfer fee paid by Tottenham for Bergvall (2024): £8.5 million.
- Reported Forest bid: £38 million (initial), potential £45 million improvement.
- Tottenham’s stated asking price: ?£50 million.
- Recent midfield acquisitions: Mateus Fernandes £85 million, Sandro Tonali up to £100 million.
- Forest’s recent spending: Omari Hutchinson £37.5 million (record signing).
- Bergvall’s 2025/26 season: 23 appearances, 966 minutes total.
Official Statements & Responses
Tottenham have publicly confirmed the rejection of Forest’s bid and indicated that a higher offer would be required to sanction a sale. Forest’s hierarchy reiterated Bergvall as their primary target to replace Anderson, emphasizing the player’s potential to grow with regular first-team opportunities. De Zerbi has reportedly allayed concerns about Bergvall’s future, but the club’s substantial midfield investment continues to cast doubt on his immediate role.
Criticism & Opposition
Supporters and commentators argue that selling Bergvall, a fan favourite who earned the club’s Player of the Season award and scored the winning goal in a 2025 Carabao Cup semi-final, would be a “bitter pill” for Tottenham fans. Critics note that the club’s strategy has shifted from nurturing home-grown talent to prioritising expensive signings, potentially sidelining promising players like Bergvall and Luka Vuskovic.
Verbatim Quotes
- “unstoppable” — Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact amount Forest is prepared to offer: one report cites a £38 million bid, while another suggests a potential £45 million improvement and a Tottenham asking price near £50 million. No official figure from either club has been disclosed, leaving the final valuation uncertain. Additionally, while Bergvall’s desire to leave is confirmed, the precise terms of any future contract extension with Tottenham remain undisclosed.
