Palmeiras have confirmed Gustavo Scarpa’s pre-contract agreement with Nottingham Forest while refuting claims that they tried convince the midfielder to back out of his move to the Premier League outfit, via a statement published by UOL.
Until now, confirmation about Scarpa’s future has been in very short supply.
There has been little snippets here and there, the odd moment of clarity. But for the most part there remained more questions than answers. Had Nottingham Forest really come to an agreement with one of the most prolific creative talents in Brazilian football?
Would Scarpa really be playing Premier League football after Christmas, when his Palmeiras contract expires? Or would he join Josh Bowler, Hwang Ui Jo and co at Olympiakos, Forest’s Greece-based sister club? For now, those final two questions are still awaiting an answer.
But at least Palmeiras have finally confirmed that an agreement between Nottingham Forest and Scarpa is indeed in place, even if Steve Cooper’s plans for the 28-year-old schemer are still uncertain.
Nottingham Forest agree to sign Palmeiras talisman Gustavo Scarpa
“Palmeiras vehemently denies having talked to Scarpa or his representatives about alleged amounts for the breach of the pre-contract signed by the athlete with Nottingham Forest,” they write.
Those ‘vehement denials’ are in response to claims from UOL. The Brazilian publication reported that Palmeiras were willing to pay a £4 million compensation fee to rip up Scarpa’s agreement with the City Ground outfit, while offering him a new deal at the Allianz Parque.
“The club cultivates a transparent relationship with the player who, already last year, when he was approached to discuss a possible extension of his contract, communicated the direction of the desire to live the experience of playing abroad,” they add.
“Palmeiras respects the wishes of the athlete; an example of professionalism and dedication in his daily work.”
Scarpa, who contributed a remarkable 20 assists in the 2021 Brazilian season, has won seven trophies in four years at Palmeiras, including the 2018 Serie A title and successive Copa Libertadores crowns.
“Anyone who knows me knows that my dream has always been to play in Europe,” Scarpa explains to Globo Esporte.
“My biggest dream is to play in England. I admit, I started to find it improbable as the years went by. But when I was given the opportunity, at the age of 28, it was surreal. My last chance to play in the Premier League.”
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