‘World class’ midfielder skips training after contact from Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest looking to improve across Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad, with one midfielder in particular now giving the Reds the perfect opportunity to make a move.
As the transfer window opened, it was reported that Espírito Santo wanted to improve four positions to boost Forest’s chances of competing both domestically and in Europe.
Improving in the wide areas became a necessity once Newcastle United signed Anthony Elanga, but there’s also hope that depth at full-back and in midfield can be found.
However, one top target for the central area would be more than just squad depth, and he’s just made it very clear that he’s interested in a move in an act that will have those at the City Ground excited.
Nottingham Forest target Douglas Luiz skips Juventus training
Forest’s interest in Douglas Luiz dates back to the January window, but Luiz decided to stay at Juventus to attempt to reinvigorate a move that he’d only made the previous summer.
However, it’s been made clear that Juventus want Luiz to leave with the Premier League his most likely option. The feeling is clearly mutual between the two parties, though, as Luiz has not shown up for pre-season training with the Italian giants.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Luiz’s absence from Juventus training, with the Turin side set to take “disciplinary measures” against the midfielder.
Given that Luiz has already rejected Leeds United, Forest are looking more and more likely to be the Premier League frontrunners for his signature, in a move that would be a real statement of intent from Evangelos Marinakis.
His potential impact on the Forest squad would, of course, be the main driver of a move, but securing Luiz would also go a long way to relieving the tension in the Reds fanbase about how the transfer window has gone so far.
Signing Douglas Luiz would lift the mood at the City Ground
With Elanga already gone and Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential move to Tottenham still rumbling on in the background, it’s understandable that Forest fans are feeling a bit uneasy about how the transfer window is panning out.
To make matters worse, signing Elanga’s replacement has been a struggle, with Johan Bakayoko picking the Bundesliga and Forest’s battle with Napoli for Dan Ndoye not guaranteed to end happily.
Therefore, a statement signing of Luiz, who has been labelled as ‘world class’ by former teammate John McGinn, would show that Forest aren’t doomed to fail in the market this summer and can still attract and finalise deals for some of European football’s most talented players
Nottingham Forest weighing up whether to increase bid for Anthony Elanga replacement
Nottingham Forest are trying desperately to add players to the squad before the new season gets underway.
Anthony Elanga has signed for Newcastle this month and Forest are now considerably weaker with the season around four weeks away.
Things might get worse too, with Morgan Gibbs-White wanted by Tottenham before the season starts in August.
Forest want Dan Ndoye as the man to replace Elanga, but it would appear that fighting Napoli for his signature is going to prove a tough nut to crack.
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Journalist delivers update on Dan Ndoye amid Forest links
The Ndoye stuff is becoming a bit of a saga with Bologna not wanting to sell, and neither Napoli nor Forest yet making a bid that is close to their valuation.
Now, Marco Giordano of Radio CRC has delivered an update on where Napoli and Forest sit on the whole situation surrounding Ndoye.
He said: “NFFC have offered a salary of 5 million per year to Ndoye, an offer that surpasses that of Napoli. Bologna have taken time, rejecting the offer of 35 (9+26) +5 from the blue club, but leaving the door open for dialogue. New contacts with the player’s entourage are expected during the day, while waiting to see if Nottingham will raise their bid after the rejected offer of 28-29 million.”
Ndoye bagged nine goals and claimed six assists during the 2024/25 campaign as Bologna qualified for the Europa League by winning the Coppa Italia.
Forest need to pay Bologna what they want for Ndoye
If Forest didn’t really want Ndoye, then they wouldn’t have moved quickly to agree a deal better than the one Napoli are offering.
As a result, it’s time for the Reds to get serious and temper the frustration of the fans by getting this deal over the line as a matter of urgency.
Ndoye would slot in nicely as an alternative to Elanga and there really is no time to waste with the new season preparations being stepped up.
Other clubs are starting to get their business sorted out and Forest are now at real risk of being left behind.
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