Star says he’s not joining Nottingham Forest after Cooper’s side make £5m bid

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Braga goalkeeper Matheus has distanced himself from a potential move to Nottingham Forest even if he does believe the Premier League is the ‘best in the world’. 

On paper at least, another shot-stopper is the last thing you’d think Nottingham Forest need. Steve Cooper’s side have already brought in Matt Turner from Arsenal after all, with USA international Ethan Horvath, the vastly-experienced Wayne Hennessey and the promising George Shelvey – so impressive in pre-season – all providing back-up at the City Ground. 

Ongoing discussions regarding a deal to bring Dean Henderson back to the East Midlands from Manchester United, however, makes it pretty clear that Cooper is not exactly enamoured about the goalkeeping options currently at his disposal. 

Forest have also shown an interest in the likes of Emil Audero and Ugurcan Cakir, and also attempted to bring in Tottenham’s new £17 million glovesman Guglielmo Vicario a few months ago. 

Matheus will not leave Braga for Nottingahm Forest

Sport Italia, meanwhile, report that Forest made a £5 million bid for Matheus too. And as talks with Henderson stall, speculation regarding a renewed approach for the 31-year-old Brazilian continues to do the rounds. 

Speculation that, during talks with O Jogo, Matheus appears to have done his best to put an end to. 

“The English league is the best in the world,” Matheus explains when quizzed about those Nottingham Forest links. “But when the chairman said he didn’t want me to leave, I immediately cleared my head to focus on my work at Braga and to help this club make history.

“I’ve managed to leave a mark (here), but I want more. I don’t stop here, and I want Braga to grow more and more. Yes, I’m sure I’ll stay.  

“My will is to stay, and it is the will of the president too. My will is to stay and bring a lot of joy to this club.”

Matheus has spent almost a decade at Braga, having moved to Portugal back in 2014. He’s picked up three domestic cup winners’ medals in that time, and helped The Archbishops finish third – ahead of Sporting Lisbon – in 2023/24.