Already planning ahead, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly submitted a serious offer to sign a key defensive reinforcement at a bargain price before the summer transfer window.
Nottingham Forest transfer news
Whilst it hasn’t been as emphatic since their return from warm-weather training at the beginning of February, Nottingham Forest still find themselves inside the Premier League‘s top four and in the FA Cup last eight after defeating Ipswich Town on penalties.
Those at the City Ground will be the first to say that there’s still a long way to go, but ending their 35-year wait for silverware in the same season as returning to Europe’s biggest stage is certainly a mouth-watering prospect.
Such success would also go a long way towards Forest’s pursuit of summer targets. By qualifying for the Champions League, in particular, Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side will be in their strongest position than for a long time to welcome some of Europe’s rising stars.
Before they potentially splash the cash, however, those in the Midlands have reportedly turned towards a bargain deal ahead of the summer transfer window. According to Takvim in Turkey, as relayed by Sports Witness, Nottingham Forest have now submitted a serious offer to Bright Osayi-Samuel, who’s set to leave Fenerbahce as a free agent at the end of the season.
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The former Queens Park Rangers right-back has previously attracted the interest of Crystal Palace, but it’s now Forest who reportedly lead the race to welcome him back to English football for the first time in four years.
Now 27 years old and at the peak of his powers, Osayi-Samuel would instantly ease Forest’s potential Ola Aina blow, with their own right-back currently on course to depart as a free agent this summer.
“Blistering” Osayi-Samuel could ease Ola Aina blow
Following the excellent season that he’s enjoyed, it would be a nightmare for Forest to lose Aina at this stage. The defender, himself, meanwhile, would be leaving yet another club having endured a trend of transfers over the years. As things stand, however, the Nigerian is heading for the exit door to deal his side a frustrating blow.
It is at least an exit that Forest are seemingly preparing for by turning their attention towards Osayi-Samuel, who earned plenty of praise during his last spell in English football at QPR.
Former manager Mark Warburton told reporters when the Nigerian was first breaking into his QPR side: “I thought he was very, very good. If you remember Bristol City away earlier in the season he gave the full-back a torrid time.
“He’s been very good in spells in games but today he was consistent from the first whistle to the 75th minute. I’m not sure many teams have that blistering pace. As long as he knows how to use it and that’s the key for him learning the game.”
Now, years and plenty of experience later, the Fenerbahce man could finally get the Premier League chance that he once looked destined for in West London.
