Nottingham Forest’s ambitious recruitment drive shows no signs of slowing down as the club closes in on another major signing. With the transfer window heading towards its deadline, the Garibaldi are making headlines again, this time by securing Juventus right back Nicolo Savona in a deal worth more than €15m.
The move highlights the club’s determination to build depth across all areas of the pitch. Already, eight new arrivals have joined Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad this summer. Each of those deals has been carefully chosen to strengthen weak spots and create internal competition, ensuring that Forest are not caught short as they prepare for a demanding season.
The Importance Of Reinforcing The Full Back Position
Nuno Espirito Santo made it clear at the beginning of the summer that defensive reinforcements were a priority. While Forest have talent in wide areas, their manager wanted competition at full back to protect the team from fatigue and injury issues. Ola Aina has been a consistent performer since joining, but relying on a single option in such a physically demanding league would be risky.
Adding Savona to the squad gives Forest valuable balance. It means Aina will no longer have to shoulder the full responsibility of the right back role, and it ensures Nuno has a player with the right profile to adapt to different match scenarios. Depth has become a buzzword at Forest, and this move delivers exactly that.
The Structure Of The Deal For Nicolo Savona
Negotiations with Juventus were not straightforward. The Italian giants originally demanded close to €20m for their young defender, a figure that Forest were reluctant to meet. However, discussions led to a compromise, with Forest agreeing a fee in excess of €15m and including a 10 percent sell on clause.
The structure of the agreement suits both sides. Juventus protect their long term interests should Savona develop into a high value player in the Premier League, while Forest secure a promising defender at a reduced immediate cost. It is a deal that reflects the modern transfer market, where flexibility and creativity often decide whether an agreement can be reached.
The Arrival Timeline And Next Steps
Savona is expected to travel to England in the coming days to undergo his medical. Once the formalities are complete, he will put pen to paper and join his new teammates ahead of the weekend. Forest will be eager to integrate him quickly, particularly with the fixture list intensifying and European football adding to their schedule.
The timing is crucial, as the season is moving into full swing. Having a player ready and available before the next run of fixtures gives Forest additional security and allows Nuno to rotate his squad with confidence. Supporters at the City Ground will be eager to see their new signing in action as soon as possible.
What Nicolo Savona Brings To Nottingham Forest
Savona is an attacking full back with natural energy and an eagerness to get forward. He thrives in advanced positions, often pushing high up the pitch to create overloads and supply dangerous deliveries into the box. His speed and technical ability make him an asset in transition, a trait that could add a new dimension to Forest’s play.
However, he will face adjustments in the Premier League. Nuno’s system requires discipline and defensive resilience, and the intensity of English football will demand that Savona sharpens his positioning. The manager is known for his structured approach, and molding Savona into a balanced defender will be a key focus in training sessions.
Competition And Opportunity With Ola Aina
One of the most significant aspects of this move is how it will affect Ola Aina’s role. The Nigerian international has become a dependable figure, but he is also expected to miss time during the African Cup of Nations at the turn of the year. Savona’s presence ensures Forest will not suffer a drop in quality during that period.
In addition, four competitions on the schedule mean squad rotation is inevitable. Savona will have plenty of opportunities to push for a starting role, particularly if he adapts quickly to the demands of the Premier League. Healthy competition benefits both players, as it drives standards higher and keeps performances sharp.
The Wider Context Of Nottingham Forest’s Transfer Approach
Forest’s spending this summer reflects their determination to establish themselves as a stable Premier League club. Since returning to the top flight, they have been aggressive in the market, often signing multiple players in a single window. While some have questioned the strategy, the results on the pitch show that it is designed to give the manager maximum options.
By targeting players like Savona, Forest are also showing that they are willing to invest in young talent with potential resale value. This approach balances short term squad needs with long term financial planning, a combination that is vital for sustained growth. The inclusion of a sell on clause in this deal underlines that awareness.