Report shares what Nottingham Forest must pay for former Wolves ace Romain Saiss

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Nottingham Forest are still hoping to lure former Wolves defender Romain Saiss back to the Premier League this summer with Besiktas holding out for around £4.5 million, according to Fanatik. 

Maybe Saiss checked into European football’s retirement home a little too soon. 

The 32-year-old centre-half joined Besiktas when his Wolverhampton Wanderers contract expired last summer. His outstanding performances alongside Nayef Aguerd at the heart of Morocco’s backline at the Qatar World Cup, however, did not paint the picture of a man who’s time at the top level was coming to an end. 

Saiss’ versatility and experience could come in very handy for a Nottingham Forest side who – while spending big on restructuring their backline – have suffered their fair share of defensive injuries of late. 

Will Nottingham Forest sign former Wolves ace Romain Saiss?

Forest, Hurriyet say, failed with a £2 million bid for Saiss in January. The two-time European champions have not given up just yet, however, and may return with a vengeance for the 72-time international in June. 

Besiktas, Fanatik say, want closer to £4.5 million. The report adds that Besiktas already have a replacement in the shape of former Sampdoria centre-back Omar Colley.

“Saiss is different. He is a leader; a good, classy player,” says Besiktas coach Senol Gunes; admitting that the former Molineux favourite had hoped to leave during the winter window.  

“He wanted to go at the last minute.”

Saiss, who can play at centre-half or in defensive midfield, was one of the most impressive defenders at the 2022 World Cup; his rock-solid displays helping Morocco make history, becoming the first ever African team to reach the semi-finals.

And former Arsenal ace Martin Keown cannot understand why Wolves did not do more to keep Saiss at Molineux.

“We’ve seen Saiss for Wolves playing in various positions, including in midfield,” Keown told the BBC. “He’s playing at the back (in Qatar) and he is very commanding. I was very surprised to see him leave Wolves. They don’t look any better for it.”