The summer transfer window may have only just slammed shut, but ambitious clubs across the Premier League are already plotting their next moves behind the scenes. For Nottingham Forest, missing out on top targets during a frantic window has done nothing to dampen their long-term ambitions under manager Oliver Glasner.
According to reports, the Reds are refusing to give up on their pursuit of highly rated Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, with owner Evangelos Marinakis reportedly preparing to revisit a blockbuster deal when the transfer market reopens in January.
The Backstory: Forest’s Failed Summer Chase and Heavy Pursuit
Forest’s interest in the 20-year-old Sweden international is far from a secret. Earlier in the summer, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed that Forest had launched an aggressive bid to lure the talented youngster to the City Ground, seeing a £38 million offer firmly rebuffed by Tottenham in July.
As the window progressed, Bergvall became one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe. Alongside Forest’s persistent attention, heavyweights including Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Atlético Madrid weighed up moves. Late in the window, Chelsea also considered a deadline-day swoop as Xabi Alonso scrambled to find a high-profile replacement following Enzo Fernandez’s high-profile departure to Manchester City.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi, however, was steadfast in his desire to keep the starlet in north London. Following extensive personal talks between De Zerbi and the player—despite Tottenham previously being open to listening to offers around the £60 million mark—Bergvall ultimately opted to stay put.
Nevertheless, The Telegraph has indicated that Forest’s interest has not cooled. With Tottenham valuing the midfielder at upwards of £50 million, the Reds chose to remain calm during the final hours of the summer window, laying the groundwork for a potential renewal of hostilities when January arrives.
Glasner Refatements: Satisfaction Amid Strategic Planning
While missing out on Bergvall was undoubtedly a frustration, Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner remains thoroughly pleased with the club’s overall summer business. Backed by Marinakis’ unwavering financial commitment, Forest successfully injected a blend of elite pedigree and youthful upside into their squad.
The Reds welcomed several high-profile additions, including Xaver Schlager, Ousmane Diomande, Steven Benda, Liam Delap, and Daniel Muñoz, alongside Gustavo Sá before his immediate loan move to Olympiacos.
Reflecting on a productive window that successfully streamlined squad numbers while dramatically raising the overall quality and character of the dressing room, Glasner expressed immense satisfaction.
“I’m very happy, very pleased with how the transfer window went at the end,” Glasner said. “We wanted to reduce the number of players and also add quality players with top character. I think we achieved everything.”
The Forest boss was particularly enthusiastic about the capture of Daniel Muñoz from his former club Crystal Palace, highlighting the immense value the Colombian international brings to the squad.
“I mentioned we wanted to add quality and mentality. I think Daniel Muñoz has proven both in the Premier League, and also at the World Cup when he played for Colombia,” Glasner added.
“He’s very reliable and his mentality is incredible. As soon as we were informed he could be available, I said he could be a great addition. The club worked hard and could find an agreement, so that’s why he’s now a Forest player.”
Looking Ahead to January
As Forest turn their full attention toward maintaining Premier League momentum and navigating their upcoming fixtures—including Saturday’s crucial clash against Tottenham—the lingering subplot of a future Lucas Bergvall pursuit adds an extra layer of intrigue.
If Forest can maintain their upward trajectory under Glasner during the first half of the campaign, an upgraded £50 million winter package could prove very difficult for Tottenham to ignore when January rolls around. For a club whose ambition under Marinakis knows no bounds, the pursuit of elite talent never truly stops.
