After flirting with relegation during each of the last two seasons, is Nottingham Forest’s third season back in the Premier League where things really start to click?
Certainly, Nuno Espirito Santo appears to have a squad capable of pushing up the table and towards the rarefied air of mid-table.
Despite links with clubs higher up the Premier League pyramid, the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga, Murillo and star creator Morgan Gibbs-White are all still wearing Garibaldi red.
The reliable Matz Sels feels like an upgrade on Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos between the sticks.
In Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest have snapped up one of the division’s most promising young midfielders from Newcastle United too, surely getting the better of a deal which sent benchwarmer Vlachodimos in the other direction.
At £6 million, meanwhile, Jota Silva could be one of the bargains of this summer.
Nottingham Forest sign Portugal ace Jota Silva from Vitoria
Capped twice by Portugal and perhaps unfortunate to be left out of Roberto Martinez’s Euro 2024 roster, Jota became the first Vitoria de Guimaraes player in over four decades when he plundered 15 league goals from the right wing last season.
And despite interest from top-flight rivals including Wolves and Brighton, Forest sealed a deal for the stylish forward for a mere fraction of his £17 million release clause.
Though, in their first outing without their departed kingpin, Vitoria did not look like a team mourning the forward’s sale. Os Conquistadores thumped Floriana in their Conference League qualifier, following up Jota’s winner in the first-leg with a crushing 4-0 victory on Portuguese soil.
Ricardo Magnas – nominally a left-back – was the unlikely hero on the night, scoring twice and providing one assist.
The loss of last season’s top scorer is likely to be felt a lot more keenly when domestic action returns, however, Magnas seizing the opportunity to pay tribute to a man who fired Vitoria to their first top-five finish since 2017.
“Jota Silva left an indelible mark on the club, and we have great affection for him,” Magnas tells A Bola. “Vitoria is deeply grateful for his contribution. I wish him every success in the new stage of his career.”
Ramon Sosa could be latest City Ground addition
It has been a week full of emotional farewells as far as Nottingham Forest are concerned.
Rui Borges, Jota’s head coach at Vitoria, issued a glowing tribute of his own ahead of that Floriana clash.
“Jota is a different player, special to the team and the fans,” Borges said via O Jogo. “I’m happy for him. He deserves it for everything that’s happened to him.
“I understood why he’s been successful. Because of his character, personality and the way he dedicates himself to work. He surprised me a lot. I have no doubt that he’ll be very successful.”
“Jota was a great example (for the squad). He surprised me very positively. I knew he could leave at any minute but anyone who saw him work every day saw that his commitment was surreal. He will get where he wants to go because of his resilience and character as a human being.”
Jota could soon be joined at the City Ground, meanwhile, by another talented wideman.
The £16 million-rated Ramon Sosa is also expected to arrive after a fine spell in Argentina with Talleres. Their own head coach, Walter Ribonetto, channelled Borges on Thursday while admitting that Sosa’s departure is all-but guaranteed before the close of the window.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
