Nottingham Forest prepare £45m bid for Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall

Forest set to test Tottenham's resolve with £45m Bergvall bid

Nottingham Forest are preparing a £45m offer for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, according to reports. The 19-year-old Swedish international has been a target for Forest as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

The bid, if confirmed, would represent a significant statement of intent from the Forest hierarchy, who have invested heavily since returning to the top flight. Bergvall only joined Tottenham from Djurgårdens IF in February 2024 for an initial fee believed to be around £10m, making a swift sale at a substantial profit an intriguing proposition for Spurs.

Background and tactical fit

Bergvall is a technically gifted central midfielder known for his vision, passing range, and ability to drive forward with the ball. He made 12 appearances for Tottenham last season, mostly from the bench, as he adapted to English football. At 6ft 2in, he combines physical presence with nimble footwork, making him a versatile option in the middle of the park.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has often employed a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on energetic midfielders who can both break up play and contribute to attacks. Bergvall's profile aligns well with this system; he could operate as a number eight, linking defence and attack, or as a deeper playmaker alongside a more defensive partner. Last season, Forest's midfield often lacked creativity, ranking 14th in the Premier League for chances created from central areas. Bergvall's arrival would address that deficiency.

Transfer market context

The reported £45m fee would make Bergvall Forest's second-most expensive signing, behind only the £47.5m spent on Morgan Gibbs-White in 2022.
It would represent a substantial markup on the £10m Tottenham paid for him just 18 months ago, highlighting the rapid inflation in the market for young talent.
Comparatively, similar-profile midfielders moving between Premier League clubs have commanded fees in the £30m-£50m range; for example, James Maddison joined Tottenham for £40m in 2023 at age 26, while 19-year-old Romeo Lavia moved to Chelsea for £58m in the same window.

Tottenham's stance on Bergvall remains unclear. The club view him as a promising long-term asset, but manager Ange Postecoglou has a deep midfield pool including James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. If Tottenham are willing to cash in, the profit would strengthen their Financial Fair Play position and could fund other signings.

Impact on Premier League landscape

For Nottingham Forest, landing a player of Bergvall's calibre would be a coup. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season — finishing 16th, six points above the drop zone — Forest are keen to build a squad capable of mid-table stability. Bergvall's age (19) also fits the club's recent strategy of investing in young talent with resale value, a model that has seen them sign players like Murillo, Nuno Tavares, and Gio Reyna on loan.

Tottenham, meanwhile, face a decision: accept a quick profit or hold onto a player who could become a key contributor. Postecoglou has emphasized youth development, but with Europa League football and domestic commitments, squad rotation will be necessary. Selling Bergvall would free up a non-homegrown squad spot and generate funds, but it would also remove a versatile option for the congested fixture list.

Fantasy Premier League implications

From an FPL perspective, Bergvall is not currently a consideration for most managers. He is priced at £5.0m in the game (as of the latest update) and has less than 1% ownership. A move to Nottingham Forest would likely see his price remain similar, and his minutes would increase, making him a potential budget enabler. Forest's opening fixtures include away trips to Arsenal and Chelsea, and home games against Wolves and West Ham, which are not immediately enticing for midfield returns. However, if he nails down a starting spot and hits attacking form, he could emerge as a differential later in the season.

What's next

Nottingham Forest are expected to formalise their £45m offer in the coming days. Tottenham will then have to decide whether the fee is too good to turn down. With the transfer deadline approaching, the next 48 hours are critical. If Spurs accept, Forest will move quickly to agree personal terms with Bergvall, who is thought to be open to regular first-team football. Should Tottenham reject, Forest may need to find alternative targets, such as Lille's Angel Gomes or Stade Rennais' Baptiste Santamaria, as they continue their midfield rebuild.