Nottingham Forest youngster Frederik Nielsen played against his current employers for trial club Barnsley on Friday – with horrific results.
That Barnsley have spent the entire season well clear of the relegation battle in their first campaign back in the Championship is testament to the club’s excellent scouting department.
And, according to the Nottingham Post, Paul Heckingbottom’s side could be about to complete the signing of another highly-rated, under-the-radar youngster. It has become their trademark.
The newspaper claims that 19-year-old centre-back Frederik Nielsen could be on his way to Oakwell after making it clear that he wants to leave Nottingham Forest. The centre-back is out of contract at the end of the season and has been on trial with Barnsley during the last few weeks.
Ironically, Nielsen lined up for his potential future employers against his current club on Friday. Although he hardly did his chances at either club any favours, diverting a cross into his own net before limping off injured in Barnsley’s 4-2 defeat.
Nonetheless, academy coach and former striker Jack Lester (below) confirmed that Nielsen, who arrived in England from Viborg in 2014, is eyeing up the exit which, in itself, is something of a surprise.
Forest may have endured a turbulent campaign but the club have still shown a commendable commitment to their young players, making the likes of Joe Worrall and Matty Cash first-team regulars this season.
Yet, Barnsley too have developed a tradition for developing young talent and providing them with a route into the higher echelons of the English game and Nielsen may believe he can follow in the footsteps of Alfie Mawson (below), Mason Holgate and co.
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