“Twice better option” as Nottingham Forest on Deadline day stroke UPGRADED version of Nuno’s reinforcement by SIGNING EPL freekick wizard after being rejected by Top rated La liga striker…. A HUGE redirection.
Perhaps more significantly, Nottingham Forest successfully retained key players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, despite interest from larger clubs.
Two of their summer signings, Marko Stamenic and David Carmo, were sent on loan to Olympiacos, leaving nine new players to integrate into the squad.
Forest pursued several other targets during the summer transfer window, right up until the deadline. However, they were notably unable to secure a striker, with multiple attempts to sign Santiago Gimenez falling through after the player turned down their offer.
Other players were linked with the club prior to their late signings of James Ward-Prowse and Morato, which occurred close to the deadline.
### Forest’s Attempt to Sign Andre Almeida
According to journalist Hector Gomez from Golsmedia, Forest made a late bid to acquire Andre Almeida from Valencia. The deal would have been a loan with an option to buy next summer. Although Valencia were open to negotiations, Almeida rejected the move, feeling that a switch to Forest wouldn’t represent a step forward in his career. Instead, he is now seeking a contract extension with the La Liga side.
Forest weren’t the only club to face rejection, as Almeida also declined offers from Real Betis and Girona, suggesting he may simply prefer to stay at Valencia. Forest had offered a £2 million loan fee with an option to purchase him for £12.5 million after 12 months.
### Forest Don’t Need Almeida
This pursuit likely occurred before Forest realized that James Ward-Prowse from West Ham was a viable option. Ward-Prowse brings exceptional set-piece skills and substantial Premier League experience, qualities that will be invaluable this season.
While Almeida has made 60 appearances for Valencia, his record of just four goals and six assists—despite often playing as a number 10—may have raised concerns. With Gibbs-White already established in that role at Forest, bringing in Almeida on loan, where he wouldn’t play much, wouldn’t have been a sensible move.
While being rejected by a target is never ideal, it’s unlikely that Forest will regret missing out on Almeida in the long term.
