Nottingham Forest Targets Serie A Defender and Man City Midfielder

Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest is actively seeking to bolster its ranks with a significant double transfer, reportedly setting sights on Serie ACompetition·Serie A defender Jhon LucumiPlayer·Jhon Lucumi and Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City midfielder Tijjani ReijndersPlayer·Tijjani Reijnders. These potential acquisitions underscore Forest's ambition to enhance both their defensive solidity and midfield dynamism following a season that saw them navigate both domestic challenges and a deep European run.

Colombian international Jhon LucumiPlayer·Jhon Lucumi, currently a key figure in BolognaTeam·Bologna's defence in Serie ACompetition·Serie A, is considered a prime target to reinforce Forest's backline. Reports indicate that Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest has already initiated inquiries into the conditions required to secure a deal for the central defender, signaling a clear intent to add competition and experience at the heart of their defence.

In the midfield, Dutch maestro Tijjani ReijndersPlayer·Tijjani Reijnders has emerged as a realistic target. His potential arrival is seen as a strategic move to compensate for the departure of Elliot AndersonPlayer·Elliot Anderson, who transferred to Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City earlier in the summer in a British record £116 million move. Reijnders himself joined Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City from AC MilanTeam·AC Milan in the summer of 2025 for approximately £46.5 million (€57 million). While he began his tenure at the Etihad Stadium strongly, his playing time reportedly decreased as the 2025/26 season progressed.

Manchester CityTeam·Manchester City is reportedly open to selling Reijnders for around £60 million. However, the player is understood to prefer remaining with a club that competes in European competition. Forest's new boss, Oliver Glasner, is reportedly keen on Reijnders, valuing his vision, energy, and ability to dictate play—qualities that align with the club's objective to improve results against stronger opposition. This pursuit comes shortly after Forest secured midfielder Xaver SchlagerPlayer·Xaver Schlager on a free transfer, further indicating a concerted effort to reshape their midfield.

Nottingham ForestTeam·Nottingham Forest concluded the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season in 16th place with 44 points, narrowly avoiding relegation. Despite their league position, the club enjoyed a notable campaign in the UEFA Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa. This marked their first participation in a UEFA competition in 29 years, highlighting the club's recent progress and the strategic importance of these potential signings as they look to build on that European experience and solidify their Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League standing.