Nottingham Forest have held talks with FC Porto about a deal for for Brazil international Galeno but they face a battle with Premier League rivals Wolves following the departure of Pedro Neto to Chelsea.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
After snapping up Jota Silva from Vitoria de Guimaraes for a bargain fee of just £6 million at the start of the month, Nottingham Forest have wasted no time in attempting to bring another talented wideman to the City Ground.
But with a potential £16 million deal for Ramon Sosa proving difficult – CA Talleres’ president claims that Forest attempted to change the terms of the arrangement as talks hit the buffers – a side who has done plenty of shopping in the Portuguese market over the years are now returning to a familiar hunting ground.
HITC can confirm that talks are underway regarding Forest’s pursuit of FC Porto forward Galeno.
Sources speaking on behalf of the two-time European Champions insist that no bid has been made as of yet – contrary to other claims in the media – but the interest is genuine and discussions have indeed opened up.
Nottingham Forest open Galeno talks with FC Porto
Galeno, like Ramon Sosa, is a right-footer who likes to cut in from the left.
His arrival would ease the pressure on Callum Hudson-Odoi, while allowing Nuno Espirito Santo to deploy him in the same frontline as the left-sided Jota Silva.
Galena was outstanding for Porto last season. He scored 16 goals and set up 12 more, earning his first cap for the Brazil national team as a result.
“I was very happy for Galeno,” former Porto coach Sergio Conceicao told Record after learning that his star had chosen to represent the Selecao despite the fact he could have also represented Portugal.
“I am extremely happy.”
Skilful, dynamic and a lethal finisher, Galeno also finished joint-third in the Champions League goalscoring charts.
A tally of five in seven games – four against Shakhtar Donetsk and a long-range curler in the dying seconds to beat Arsenal – meant he finished just shy of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and co.
Galeno has picked up where he left off at the start of 2024/25 too. He hit a 38-minute brace during the thrilling 4-3 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Super Cup last weekend.
Wolves need to replace Chelsea-bound Pedro Neto
HITC has also heard that, in addition to Nottingham Forest, there is interest from Wolverhampton Wanderers too.
Gary O’Neil’s team know the Primeira Liga market like the back of their hand. Wolves are set to lose Pedro Neto to Chelsea after a £54 million fee was agreed, and Galeno is likely to be the near the top of their list when it comes to potential replacements.
Galeno signed a new deal at the Estadio do Dragao in January. One that contains a £51 million release clause, as confirmed by Porto themselves via their official website. Wolves have money to spend after losing Neto, though it remains to be seen if either they or Forest are willing to stump up such a fee.
Or, for that matter, if Porto are demanding the clause be paid in full.
Neto, meanwhile, could officially become a Chelsea player by Monday, HITC have been informed.
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