Striker sets clear transfer stance as pleading messages sent amid Nottingham Forest 'interest'
Nottingham Forest-linked Yuri Alberto is being bombarded with messages from Netherlands international Memphis Depay pleading with him to remain at Corinthians.
Bringing in a forward will be top of the Reds’ agenda next month as they look to bolster head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking options during the January transfer window. Brazilian Alberto is one of the strikers the club have been credited with an interest in and he has made no secret of his wish to test himself in the Premier League.
Previous reports from Brazil suggested a £19 million bid could be in the offing from Forest. Alberto insists he is settled at Corinthians but he has left the door open for a move, and it seems Depay is doing his best to convince his teammate to stay put.
“I'm very happy here, we know that I have a contract until December 2027,” the 23-year-old told Brazilian publication UOL. “I'm living my best moment here. Memphis is also sending me a lot of messages: ‘Wow, stay, because next year we're going to win titles.’”
However, Alberto added: “I have a big dream of playing in Europe and as I said, I will only leave here if the proposal is good for me, the proposal is good for Corinthians, both sides liked it (and) it will be positive for Corinthians.”
Last month, Corinthians president Augusto Melo indicated his star man was not for sale. Alberto has been in red-hot form for the Brazilian outfit, scoring in nine successive outings before the league season came to a close earlier this month.
"I like to make it very clear to everyone, I'm not using Corinthians,” the forward told UOL. “I'm very happy here. Thank God I found my best version, the best Yuri Alberto possible here.”
Forest already have two former Corinthians players on the books. Defender Murillo switched between the two sides in 2023 and goalkeeper Carlos Miguel followed this summer. Fellow Brazilians Danilo and Morato are also part of the squad.
Along with the Reds, West Ham United, Everton, Newcastle United and Brentford have all been credited with an interest in Alberto. Wolverhampton Wanderers had their eye on him earlier in the year and a switch to Southampton fell through in the summer.
