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 raise 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.
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.
