Nottingham Forest 'plotting' major transfer coup as striker with £62m release clause discussed
The January window has only just opened but Nottingham Forest are already thinking about a potential headline-grabbing summer transfer, according to one report.
Italian publication Area Napoli say the Reds are plotting an eye-catching striker signing come the end of the season. And they claim Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has been included on a list of possible targets “to keep an eye on” in the event of Champions League football being secured.
The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli and has scored nine goals in 11 league appearances so far this season. The report states “nothing has been decided” but that Osimhen’s name being mentioned is a sign of just how ambitious Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is.
The Reds are said to consider the former Lille forward an “attractive” proposition. However, some at the club reportedly have concerns about the likely finances involved amid the player’s rumoured salary of more than €10 million (£8.3m).
Area Napoli add Galatasaray are “trying to scrape together” enough money to sign Osimhen themselves after being given an indication he would be open to staying in Turkey. But if any club does wish to secure his signature, it seems they would have to stump up a hefty sum of cash.
The Sun report Osimhen could be involved in a swap deal which would see him head to Manchester United this month. They claim the forward has a whopping £62m release clause and could switch to Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford moving to Napoli in return.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side currently sit third in the Premier League table after a stunning first half of the season. They ended 2024 with a five-match winning streak and will be aiming to extend that run when they make the trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday (8pm kick-off).
Forest wanted to sign a striker last summer but failed to get a deal over the line, despite having several targets. They are expected to try again this month to bolster Nuno’s options at the top end of the pitch.
