Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP for £32m, and now turn their attention to Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall. The Reds, who finished 16th in the Premier League last season with 44 points (11W-11D-16L), are looking to strengthen further ahead of their next fixture against Bayer Leverkusen on August 12, 2026.
Why Diomande is a perfect fit for Glasner’s system
The 22-year-old Ivorian centre-back has experience in a back three, which aligns with Oliver Glasner’s preferred formation. Diomande made 31 appearances last season, including nine in the Champions League, where he won 2.1 aerial duels per 90 at a 67% success rate. His defensive prowess was further highlighted by only being dribbled past six times in Liga Portugal, with just 11% of take-ons against him completed. His passing accuracy of 94% also ranks him among the elite defenders in Europe.
How Bergvall could elevate Forest’s midfield
With Diomande secured, Forest are now pursuing Lucas Bergvall, who could cost up to £60m. The 20-year-old Sweden international featured 23 times in the Premier League last season and is seen as a long-term solution for Glasner’s midfield. Bergvall’s potential arrival would break Nottingham Forest’s transfer record, signaling their ambition to climb the table after narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
What’s next for Forest in the transfer window?
Glasner’s side are still in the market for reinforcements, particularly in midfield. The recent 3-0 win over Blackburn in a pre-season friendly on July 22, 2026, has boosted morale, but the focus remains on securing key signings before the new campaign begins. With Diomande already in the door and Bergvall a priority, Forest fans will be watching closely to see if their club can pull off another major coup.
