Yahoo News Nottingham Forest notebook: £17m-rated defender 'eyed', Felipe's farewell, goalkeeper backed
Nottingham Forest’s second season back in the Premier League was nothing short of a rollercoaster, but the Reds can start planning for a third successive year in the top-flight.
The 2023/24 campaign was one of ups and downs for Forest. But safety was mathematically secured with Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Burnley on the final day.
A big summer now lies in store as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side look to progress. Below is our round-up of the latest goings-on Trentside.
READ MORE: Forest contract news announced as 'impressive' key man tipped to progress
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Left-back linked
The Reds will likely have to be smart with their transfer business this summer as they look to keep within the financial rules. Nuno recently admitted it had been difficult to start any kind of planning because the club had too many “distractions” to contend with - and they also did not know which division they would be in.
Now the season has finished, a few transfer links have started to emerge. According to L’Equipe (via Get Football News France), the Reds are keen on Stade Brestois left-back Bradley Locko.
The 22-year-old caught the eye amid 33 Ligue 1 appearances during the campaign just gone. And it seems he has a fair few admirers.
Lille are also said to be keen, while Manchester United and Fulham have also been linked with the France Under-21 international. An unnamed Serie A side reportedly have their eye on him, too. Reports suggest it would take £17 million to prise Locko away.
Felipe’s farewell
If there is one thing it seems departing defender Felipe will not miss about the UK, it is the weather. The centre-back will return to his native Brazil after deciding to hang up his boots, and although he has clearly enjoyed his stint at the City Ground it has not been without its challenges.
“Here in England we know it’s not one of the best climates, right? It’s quite complicated, a place that has, I don’t know, two months of sunshine, the rest is all rain and closed weather,” he told Brazilian media outlet Globo. “But when it comes to football, it’s one of the best, it’s the league that enchants the most.”
Felipe announced his plans to retire this summer back in March. He says wanting to spend time with family was a key factor in his decision, although he hasn’t ruled out a return to the sport in some capacity.
The 35-year-old’s announcement seemingly didn’t stop clubs from trying to change his mind. He says he had offers from teams in Brazil, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain and England but turned them all down.
And he admits retirement first crossed his mind while he was still at Atletico Madrid, only for Forest to make him an offer in January 2023. He said: “That was when the proposal to come to England came up. I think there was a sense of positivity, of taking advantage of the league, which is one of the best, and the club too, which has a great plan. That's when the chance arose to sign a one-and-a-half-year contract.”
Felipe’s final appearance in the Garibaldi turned out to be the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in March. In a farewell message to fans on his Instagram account, he said: “Thank you Nottingham Forest!!! It was an honour and a great joy to be able to wear this shirt and represent you on the field.
“What I have to say is just thank you. From the beginning, since I arrived on my first day, it was a huge affection and such unparalleled respect.”
Teenage transfer
Forest look set to add another promising Northern Irish youngster to their ranks this summer. Teenager Scott Hamilton is expected to make the move to the Nigel Doughty Academy from Linfield, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
It is said the Reds are “primed” to sign the 16-year-old forward. If the move goes through Hamilton will follow in the footsteps of Dale Taylor, who made the switch from Linfield to the banks of the Trent two years ago.
Taylor has made one senior appearance for the Reds so far and spent the season just gone on loan at Wycombe Wanderers. He will look to add to his collection of caps for his country in their upcoming friendlies.
Taylor’s fellow Forest youngster Aaron Donnelly has also been included in the latest Northern Ireland squad. Unlike Taylor, he is yet to win his first senior cap after being an unused substitute in the previous international camp. Making his debut would crown a good season for Donnelly, who made a positive impression on loan at Dundee despite an ankle injury and then a heart condition restricting his game time.
Turner backed
Goalkeeper Matt Turner lost his place in the Reds XI when Matz Sels was recruited in January. However, he has been backed to deliver for his country.
Nuno opted to use the American in the FA Cup, but he has been on the bench since Forest’s run in the competition came to an end in February. It means he will link up with the US squad for friendlies ahead of the Copa America with limited game time under his belt.
Coach Gregg Berhalter is sticking by Turner, though, and says the ex-Arsenal man will build up his fitness in friendlies before the tournament starts. He told NBC: “We feel like going into this tournament we wanted to go with the same three goalkeepers that we thought worked really well at the last World Cup. Matt’s the No.1 as of now.”
Gio Reyna is also in the squad despite not featuring much during his loan spell at the City Ground. “I don’t think there’s any added pressure for Gio,” Berhalter said. “All he has to do is continue to do what he’s been doing with our team, and he’s performed extremely well over these last nine months and shown that he can be an important part of this team.”
Turner reflected on how the season didn’t quite pan out as expected in an Instagram post after Forest had secured safety. He wrote: “Not exactly how we drew it up but so many positive boxes ticked off along the way. Most importantly of all, good health of loved ones, connections with new people in a new home and an expanding family to share all of this with. Thank you for sticking by us all year.”
