Yahoo News Long-running transfer chase nears end after Nottingham Forest contract decision
Midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate could be heading to Turkey after his Nottingham Forest exit.
The 34-year-old was one of six senior players released by the Reds when they published their retained list earlier this week. Along with Felipe, Wayne Hennessey, Scott McKenna, Loic Mbe Soh and Harry Arter he will become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this month.
As he weighs up his next move, Turkish media outlet Fotospor suggest he is on the radar of Trabzonspor. If he puts pen to paper for the club, it would end their long-running pursuit of Kouyate.
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It is said Trabzonspor tried twice in the last two seasons to sign the Senegal international, without success. A final decision on whether to snap him up this summer reportedly rests on the approval of manager Abdullah Avci, but he is said to be keen on Kouyate.
Kouyate was part of Forest’s recruitment drive in the summer of 2022 as they prepared for life back in the Premier League. He made the move to the City Ground as a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace.
During his two years Trentside, the midfielder made 36 appearances in the Garibaldi. He was largely restricted to a substitutes’ role last season, although head coach Nuno Espirito Santo still valued his contribution to the dressing room.
In addition to the first-team players let go, Forest have released academy players Kevin Adueni, Tony Gbopo, Ethan Hull, Ateef Konate, Henry Lister, Elijah Morgan and Theo Robinson. The Reds said: “The club would like to thank each player for their contribution during their time on Trentside and wish them well for the future.”
