Nottingham Forest now racing to sign £33m defender wanted by Real Madrid
da pixbet： As they move closer and closer to Champions League qualification, Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race to sign a Real Madrid target who’s been statistically stronger than Murillo this season.
Nottingham Forest eyeing Real Madrid target
da spicy bet： It doesn’t look as though those at the City Ground will be waiting long before flexing their Champions League muscles should they secure their place among Europe’s elite this season. Suddenly, a place in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad will become that much more attractive, allowing Forest to set their sights higher than ever in the Premier League.
Among those already threatening to steal the headline are names such as Darwin Nunez and even Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha. And if those reports are anything to go by, then those in the Midlands are already planning for life without the incredible form of Chris Wood, who is already 33 years old and unlikely to remain at this level for years to come.
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Nunez would be a particularly interesting option given how he has struggled at Liverpool and now seems destined for the exit door. Whether Forest can not only swoop in but then get the best out of the former Benfica man will certainly be interesting to see. Meanwhile, at the other end of Nuno’s squad, another reinforcement could arrive.
According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest are now racing to sign Evan Ndicka from AS Roma ahead of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Newcastle United this summer. The central defender has impressed in Italy once again this season, but could reportedly leave for as little as €40m (£33m) if Roma fail to secure European football this season.
In what is a valuation that Premier League sides are reportedly willing to meet, Forest could take full advantage and land a bargain deal when the summer arrives. Ndicka could slot straight into Nuno’s side too, given how his traits align with Murillo’s.
"Great" Ndicka could be a monster next to Murillo
Having spent the last two seasons in Rome, Ndicka could now call it quits and complete a summer switch to the Premier League in arguably the biggest move of his career yet. At just 25 years old too, the Ivory Coast international is at the peak of his powers and simply must take full advantage of interest from some of England’s top sides.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Evan Ndicka
Murillo
Starts
30
29
Challenges Lost
5
15
Aerial Duels Won
51
33
Ball Recoveries
115
108
As impressive as Murillo has been this season, Ndicka has been even better in certain areas. Stronger than Murillo in both the air and in tackles so far, the Roma defender could yet emerge to ensure that the Forest backline doesn’t have a single weakness to be seen this summer.
In two seasons at Roma, the 25-year-old has earned plenty of praise, including from former manager Jose Mourinho. The so-called Special One told reporters after Ndicka’s performance against Napoli in 2023: “This was without a doubt his best performance as a Roma player. He played a great game.”