Looking to make their fifth signing in the summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest are said to have rekindled their interest in the former target, who will now be able to leave his current club.
Nottingham Forest transfer news
It’s been quite a productive summer at the City Ground so far. Elliot Anderson, Marko Stamenič, Eric da Silva Moreira and most recently Carlos Miguel have all arrived to give Nuno Espirito Santo a big boost ahead of next season. Meanwhile, Forest avoided all profit and sustainability sanctions by selling Orel Mangala and Moussa Niakhata.
Their latest arrival couldn’t hide his excitement, telling Forest’s official website: “I’m really happy and honored to represent this club. Just seeing the stadium and feeling the energy in it, I can’t wait to be on the pitch. to help Nottingham Forest win. My main goal is to be an important member of this team, a giant in the history of football. I want a place in the museum like everyone else.
A forest summer can be even better. According to Jornal de Noticias, Nottingham Forest have rekindled their interest in Florentino Luis and Benfica are now open to selling the midfielder in a €30m (£25m) deal this summer. The Midlands club are not alone in their interest, however, as both Everton and Leicester City are said to be considering signing the 24-year-old.
Those at the City Ground are expected to see a bid rejected for Luis as early as 2023, but should be in a better position to make a move this summer as Benfica look to raise funds through sales this summer. A player entering the best years of his career, Luis can finally come to the City Ground.
“Super” Luis could be Danilo’s partner
Nuno switched to different systems at Forest last season, alternating between a back five and a back four, but the arrival of another defensive midfielder in Luis should help the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss settle into a consistent approach. For just £25m, the Benfica man could form the perfect partnership with Danilo at the foot of Forest’s midfield and then further unlock the likes of Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
What could be key is the balance Luis and Danilo should offer each other if the former makes a move this summer, with his ability to move the ball through his passing area equaling the current Forest midfielder’s ability to do so by driving with the ball.
Even though things at Benfica haven’t gone as planned as many would have thought, Luis is still a player with a lot of potential and a lot to offer. Forest, previously described as “excellent” by Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, will complete another solid campaign.