Tottenham Hotspur have turned down Nottingham Forest's opening offer for Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, though the Tricky Trees are expected to return with an improved proposal. Forest view the 20-year-old as their top target to bolster their midfield after banking £116 million from Elliot Anderson's transfer to Manchester City.
Bergvall only joined Spurs in 2024 from Djurgarden for £8.5 million but made an immediate impact, claiming the club's Player of the Year award and helping secure the 2025 Europa League title—ending a 17-year trophy drought. His stock has risen considerably in just one season in the Premier League, which explains Tottenham's reluctance to part with him cheaply. The club has been explicit about their valuation and shows no sign of budging without substantial compensation.
Squad Overhaul Creates Exit Pressure
Bergvall's situation at Spurs has shifted since Roberto De Zerbi's arrival in March. The Italian manager has overseen a significant summer recruitment drive, investing £85 million in Mateus Fernandes from West Ham and £100 million on former Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. This influx of established talent has squeezed Bergvall's opportunities, limiting him to just one start under De Zerbi. The midfielder has reportedly informed Tottenham's hierarchy he wishes to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere, though his contract runs until 2031.
Forest manager Oliver Glasner has already strengthened his engine room by signing Austrian international Xaver Schlager on a free transfer from RB Leipzig, reuniting him with his former Wolfsburg boss. Despite this addition, the club remains committed to landing Bergvall as a long-term investment to reshape their midfield ahead of the new Premier League campaign. Forest's financial firepower from the Anderson sale gives them genuine leverage to structure an attractive deal if they match Tottenham's asking price.
Beyond Bergvall's situation, Tottenham faces further departures this window, with Brazilian forward Richarlison attracting serious interest from Juventus. How Spurs balance their ambitious recruitment strategy with player exits will shape their title credentials in the coming months.
