Full Breakdown
Forest Pursues Tottenham Midfielder Lucas Bergvall Amid Rejected £38 million Offer
7/17/2026, 12:43:09 PM
Transfer Negotiations and Current Status
Nottingham Forest have submitted a second, higher offer for Tottenham Hotspur’s 20-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall after their initial £38 million bid was turned down. Reports indicate Forest are preparing a package in the region of £45 million, while Tottenham have signalled they would only consider a sale for around £50 million. Negotiations remain ongoing, with both clubs confirming that talks have not yet concluded.
Background & Context
Bergvall joined Tottenham from Djurgården in 2024 for roughly £8.5 million. In his debut season he was named the club’s Player of the Season and helped Spurs end a 17-year trophy drought by winning the UEFA Europa League. He signed a new contract in April 2025 extending his stay to 2031. Since Roberto De Zerbi took charge in March, Bergvall’s league starts fell to one, with 33 appearances (17 starts) and two months missed after ankle surgery. The midfielder featured for Sweden at the 2026 World Cup, where the team exited in the round of 32 to France. Forest’s recent £116 million sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City has provided the funds for a midfield rebuild, with Bergvall identified as the preferred replacement.
Key Figures & Groups
- Lucas Bergvall – Tottenham midfielder, Sweden international.
- Oliver Glasner – Newly appointed Nottingham Forest head coach.
- Roberto De Zerbi – Tottenham head coach, who has publicly praised Bergvall’s potential.
- Evangelos Marinakis – Forest owner, previously involved in a failed transfer for Morgan Gibbs-White.
- Elliot Anderson – Former Forest midfielder now at Manchester City for £116 million.
- Pep Guardiola – Manchester City manager, who described Bergvall as “unstoppable.”
Data & Statistics
- Bergvall: 33 Premier League appearances (2024-25), 1 goal, 4 assists; 112 minutes after De Zerbi’s appointment.
- Contract: runs until June 2031.
- Tottenham’s valuation: £50 million (reported).
- Forest’s offers: £38 million (rejected) and a likely £45 million follow-up.
- Anderson transfer fee: £116 million (funding source).
Official Statements & Responses
Tottenham have publicly stated that they value Bergvall at roughly £50 million and are “under no pressure to sell.” De Zerbi has reassured the player that he remains a “big part of Spurs’ future,” despite the club’s recent midfield spending on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali. Forest’s camp, led by Glasner, has expressed confidence that the Swedish international “wants continuous matches in his position” and that the club can meet the player’s ambition for regular football.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts caution that Forest’s proposed £45-50 million outlay approaches elite-level spending for a teenager, raising concerns about financial prudence. Supporters are warned that overpaying could limit the club’s ability to address other squad needs, such as a goalkeeper and striker identified by the Forest hierarchy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Tottenham’s exact asking price, citing figures of £45 million, £50 million, and “around £50 million.” While Bergvall has indicated openness to a move, he has not confirmed a definitive decision, and details of any potential sell-on or buy-back clauses remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's impossible because the players we're now talking to they play at the World Cup so are still on vacation. I'm pretty convinced we will have a few players joining us in Portugal [on a training camp].” — Oliver Glasner, Forest head coach
- “I want continuous matches in my position. That is the only goal. We’ll see what happens in the future. I’ve only been focused on the World Cup until now.” — Lucas Bergvall, Sweden midfielder
- “unstoppable” — Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager (referring to Bergvall)
What’s Next
Forest are expected to submit the revised £45 million proposal within the next few days. Should Tottenham accept, Bergvall would become Forest’s record signing, surpassing the £37.5 million fee paid for Omari Hutchinson. If the clubs cannot bridge the valuation gap, the midfielder’s future may hinge on interest from other Premier League sides such as Aston Villa and Chelsea, while Tottenham prepare for a pre-season camp in Portugal.
