Nottingham Forest and Rio Ave have mutually agreed to terminate Eric Moreira’s loan spell early, with the defender now heading back to the Premier League side.

Portuguese outlet A Bola report that Rio Ave have officially confirmed the decision. The club announced that both parties reached an agreement to bring the temporary move to an end ahead of schedule, meaning the 19-year-old departs Portugal several months before the planned conclusion of his loan.

Moreira struggled to establish himself under head coach Sotiris Silaidopoulos. He made only three appearances across all competitions, all of which came as a substitute. In total, he accumulated just 85 minutes of football and failed to register either a goal or an assist.

Despite the lack of game time, Rio Ave maintained a respectful tone in their farewell message. In a brief statement published on their official website, the Liga Portugal outfit thanked Moreira for his “professionalism, dedication and commitment” during his spell at the club, confirming his immediate return to Nottingham Forest.

The outcome may come as a disappointment for Forest, but it does at least provide clarity on a loan move that never truly gained momentum. Capable of operating at right-back or higher up the flank, Moreira remains a player the club view as one for the future.

Marinakis connection central to Nottingham Forest transfer

Rio Ave and Nottingham Forest are both part of the Evangelos Marinakis ownership group, a link that has facilitated several transfers between the two clubs, with more expected down the line. This particular deal, however, failed to deliver for any of the parties involved.

What comes next for Moreira is still uncertain. Forest could look to arrange another loan move—ideally to a club where he would receive regular minutes—or assess his situation internally in the weeks ahead.

With limited chances likely under Sean Dyche in the near future, it appears improbable that Moreira will feature prominently for the first team. If he remains at the club, a return to Premier League 2 football for the young defender looks the most realistic outcome for now.