Nottingham Forest ‘make contact’ with £40m star target as Vitor Pereira nears first summer signing

Nottingham Forest reached an agreement over a recent signing last week (adding to their summer business). The move is expected to be completed in July.

Since recent agreements, players have featured in international duties, which could slightly delay finalising aspects of transfers.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with various attacking options. But they are already examining a move for a player that head coach Vitor Pereira will know fits his tactical plans well.

Nottingham Forest open talks over transfer

According to reports, Nottingham Forest have made initial contact with 1. FC Köln over the signing of highly-rated 19-year-old German-Moroccan winger/forward Said El Mala.

The teenage talent is one of Köln’s most valuable assets and has attracted significant Premier League interest. Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have been “in active contact with representatives” after Brentford’s interest fell through.

There are a lot of clubs interested in him across England and Europe. Nottingham Forest are in direct conversations with the agents of Said El Mala. They made contact in recent days with the agents of the player.

They started the conversation about the eventual course of the deal — transfer fee, but also salary and personal terms.

The valuation for El Mala is significant (previously linked with bids around £40m+), but he is expected to leave for the right opportunity given his high potential. Köln are clear on their valuation.

For sure, Nottingham Forest are very interested. After their recent business, the next one could be El Mala.

All that is left to do is agree a fee, with personal terms not likely to be a major problem — and with Nottingham Forest holding strong interest given their project under Vitor Pereira and ambitions for the Premier League.

This potential addition would align with Vitor Pereira’s vision for a dynamic, high-upside squad at the City Ground.