Former Nottingham Forest manager Sabri Lamouchi has admitted he wanted to sign £14 million Sevilla defender Joris Gnagnon for the Championship outfit, speaking to ABC Sevilla.
It is two years since the France U21 international moved to Andalusia for big money but, while Sevilla don’t get much wrong in the transfer market, Gnagnon hasn’t come close to living up to his substantial price tag.
The centre-half has made just four La Liga starts for the Europa League winners, with his most notable act a wild tackle on Yasser Larouci – one he himself described as “heinous” – during a pre-season clash with Liverpool in 2019.
And, as Gnagnon struggled in Seville, a familiar face came calling.
The youngster made a name for himself under Lamouchi at Rennes and, if things had worked out differently, player and coach could have been reunited in England.
“I am very angry about the situation he is experiencing at Sevilla. He’s in one of the best clubs in Europe. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you he can still be one of the best centre-backs in France,” Lamouchi says of Gnagnon.
“Anyone who has seen him play will realise he has spectacular qualities. I believe in him. And I sincerely believe things will change and he could be important at Sevilla.
“(Nottingham Forest) asked me for positions I wanted to be reinforced and I put Gnagnon’s name on the list. I told my club: ‘I want him.’
“I spoke with him. Everything was settled but, suddenly, on the last day practically, he said no.
“I did not understand. Honestly, I think it would have been very good if we were together again.”
Lamouchi, who was sacked and replaced by Chris Hughton after a miserable start to 2020/21, admits Gnagnon felt he was better off staying at Sevilla.
The highly rated defender has yet to make an appearance for Julen Lopetegui’s side but that could soon change, with Estadio Deportivo reporting Gnagnon has been making a positive impression in training.
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