28-year-old wins Golden Ball award given to league’s best player, now joining Nottingham Forest

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Nottingham Forest remarkably signed 22 new players during the summer transfer window, including Gustavo Scarpa.

However, the Brazilian’s arrival at the City Ground was not immediate, instead penning a pre-contract agreement to join Nottingham Forest after his contract with Palmeiras expired in December.

Scarpa scored in his final game for the Brazilian giants at the Allianz Parque as Palmeiras recorded a 2-1 win over America MG, and now, Nottingham Forest fans have a new reason to be excited about his arrival.

Gustavo Scarpa wins award ahead of Nottingham Forest move

Well, the 28-year-old is a fine footballer, and his efforts were recognised by ESPN Brasil as he was awarded the Golden Ball award, given to the best player in Série A.

Scarpa won the award after impressively scoring 13 goals, while also providing 15 assists, in all competitions for Palmeiras this term, as they became champions of Brazil.

In true Bart Simpson style, the South American picked up his award by skateboarding – yes, skateboarding – onto the stage, dismounting only to pick up his Golden Ball before skateboarding towards the presenters.

Nottingham Forest are getting themselves a character, to say the least.

As things stand, Steve Cooper finds himself in the relegation zone with Nottingham Forest as we enter the World Cup break, so Scarpa will not have an easy start to life in English football.

Gustavo Scarpa perfect for Nottingham Forest situation

In our view, the South American is capable of making an swift impact at the City Ground.

Yes, Scarpa may need a bit of time to settle, but his versatility and consistency for Palmeiras this season suggests he can slot in anywhere across the attack for Nottingham Forest.

As Transfermarkt shows, the Brazil international – who was unfortunate to miss out on Tite’s World Cup squad – has played in central midfield, on the right, the left, and also in an attacking midfield role.

In any of these positions, Scarpa’s ability to make an impact has not waned, and he is right in the midst of his prime at the age of 28 – by all accounts, he looks set to be an ideal January addition for Cooper.