Nottingham Forest have entered a new era after appointing Oliver Glasner as the club’s head coach on a three-year contract following the surprise departure of Vitor Pereira, with Tottenham starlet Lucas Bergvall also on the club’s agenda.
Forest’s decision to dismiss Pereira came despite the Portuguese coach guiding the club away from relegation before leading an impressive run to the Europa League semi-finals.
Evangelos Marinakis acted swiftly to appoint Glasner, turning to one of Europe’s most highly regarded free agent coaches after his hugely successful spells at Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace.
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The Austrian now faces the task of strengthening Forest’s squad ahead of the new season, with midfield expected to be one area under close review.
Elliot Anderson has just sealed a mega-money move to Man City, and Marinakis is expected to reinvest those funds into finding a suitable replacement for the England international.
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It isn’t Davide Frattesi.
Tottenham’s Bergvall is believed to be a leading target for the Tricky Trees in that regard, following claims that the Sweden international has asked to leave Spurs as the club value him at up to £50 million.
However, the latest indications now suggest a move is becoming more unlikely.
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According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, Tottenham have no intention of allowing Bergvall to leave despite his eagerness to go and interest from the City Ground.
Percy reports that while Spurs expect to sanction departures this summer, they remain determined to keep the core of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad intact.
The Swede is understood to have considered his situation because of concerns over regular game time following Tottenham’s busy recruitment drive.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
John Percy is regarded as one of the most dependable football reporters covering Midlands clubs. Having reported for The Telegraph since 2012, he has built strong contacts at clubs including Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Leicester City and Wolves. His transfer exclusives are regularly borne out, particularly on Forest-related stories. |
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Finances |
Even if Tottenham softened their stance, a deal would not come cheaply. Bergvall is under contract until 2031, and recent reports have valued him at around £45-50 million. After Forest’s £116 million sale of Elliot Anderson, they could comfortably afford such a fee, although Spurs would still hold the stronger negotiating position. |
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Insight |
Bergvall emerged through Brommapojkarna before impressing at Djurgårdens, where his composure and creativity marked him out as one of Sweden’s brightest young talents. Tottenham beat Barcelona to his signature in 2024, and he has since developed into a full Sweden international at just 20-years-old. |
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Impact |
If he becomes available, Bergvall would give Forest a dynamic, technically gifted midfielder capable of driving attacks and thriving under Oliver Glasner’s high-intensity system. Should Tottenham refuse to budge, alternatives such as Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi or Celtic’s Arne Engels would also fit Forest’s profile, offering energy, versatility and long-term potential in midfield. |
Competition in midfield has intensified with imminent the arrivals of £185m duo Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, inevitably raising questions over opportunities for younger players.
Despite those concerns, Tottenham’s message has been clear.
Percy also reports that both head coach De Zerbi and technical director Johan Lange have personally spoken with Bergvall to reassure him that he remains an important part of the club’s long-term plans.
Those conversations appear to have reinforced the faith Tottenham have in one of Europe’s brightest young midfielders.
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The club’s commitment was also demonstrated earlier this year when Bergvall signed a new contract running until 2031, effectively protecting one of their most valuable emerging talents.
Since arriving from Djurgårdens in 2024, Bergvall has continued his development at Spurs thanks to his composure in possession, ability to carry the ball through midfield and impressive tactical maturity for such a young player.
The 20-year-old has already shown glimpses of why Tottenham invested so heavily in his potential, with coaches inside the club believing he can develop into a regular Premier League starter.
From Forest’s perspective, it is easy to understand the attraction.
Glasner has consistently improved young players throughout his managerial career and Bergvall’s technical ability would suit the Austrian’s energetic, transition-based style.
However, admiration alone is unlikely to be enough if Tottenham refuse to enter negotiations.
Keeping Bergvall may ultimately prove just as important for Spurs as signing established stars.
While immediate opportunities may be harder to come by following Tottenham’s significant investment this summer, Bergvall possesses the talent to force his way into De Zerbi’s plans.
Forest may continue monitoring the situation, but Tottenham’s determination to retain the Swedish midfielder suggests they believe his biggest contributions are still to come in north London.
