Nottingham Forest may sign 23-year-old from relegated club after PL return

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Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest are looking to bring in centre-back Mickael Nade from St Etienne following the club’s relegation from Ligue 1, as reported by L’Equipe. 

Conceding just 40 goals in 46 games en route to a top-six finish in 2021/22, a rock-solid backline certainly provided the foundations for a remarkable turnaround under Steve Cooper at the City Ground. 

Homegrown hero Joe Worrall was colossal alongside Scott McKenna, while the experienced Steve Cook must surely be in the running to be named the Championship’s ‘Signing of the Season’.  

Nade, then, would not have an easy task forcing his way into Cooper’s starting XI if he becomes the first new face to arrive following Nottingham Forest’s nerve-shredding play-off final victory over Huddersfield Town. 

A 23-year-old, 6ft 1ins centre-half, Nade is one of the few players in St Etienne’s squad with more than 12 months remaining on his contract. His deal expires in 2024. Les Verts may still be forced to cash in, however, following their calamitous relegation from the French top flight. 

Nottingham Forest want Mickael Nade from St Etienne

L’Equipe claim that Angers are looking to offer Nade a fresh start in Ligue 1. They will face competition from Nottingham Forest, however, and the chance to make a name for himself on the other side of the Channel may be too good to ignore.

“At 23, being a starter in Saint-Etienne, in Ligue 1 and playing practically every game…,” former team-mate Alassane Diaby tells Made in Foot. “Little by little, he is making a name for himself.

“I can assure you that today, a Wissam Ben Yedder knows who Mickael Nade is.”

Nottingham Forest are expected to have a busy summer ahead of them. Particularly with the future of loanees Djed Spence, Max Lowe, Keinan Davis and James Garner uncertain.

A deal for Connor Goldson is dead after the Rangers ace signed a new, long-term contract at Ibrox. Joe Rothwell could arrive, however, after he left Blackburn Rovers on a free.