Sky Sports: Nottingham Forest has £20m bid rejected for Premier League midfielder | OneFootball

Forest bid for Yasin Ayari rejected as Brighton hold firm

Sky Sports have revealed that Nottingham Forest’s attempt to sign Yasin Ayari has hit an early stumbling block, with Brighton rejecting an opening offer that was “believed to be worth around £20m”. The original report from Sky Sports News, credited to Rob Dorsett and Elliot Cook, underlines how serious Forest are about strengthening their midfield options under Sean Dyche, yet also shows Brighton’s growing confidence in protecting their key assets.

According to the report, “Sky Sports News has been told the bid has been rejected”, a clear indication that Brighton are in no rush to part with one of their most consistent performers this season. Ayari has “started 17 Premier League matches this season”, and that level of trust from his club tells its own story about how highly he is rated behind the scenes.

From Forest’s perspective, the interest makes sense. The Swedish international has developed into a reliable, tactically intelligent midfielder who fits the Premier League’s demands. A player who can keep the ball, break lines and press effectively would be a welcome addition at the City Ground as Dyche looks to solidify Forest’s shape and tempo in midfield.

Brighton valuation sets tone for talks

Sky Sports made it clear that “Forest’s current bid falls below Brighton’s valuation of the player”, and this is perhaps the most important detail in the whole saga. Brighton have built a reputation for selling on their own terms, maximising value for emerging talents, and Ayari appears to be the latest example of that strategy.

He was signed for just “£3.5m three years ago, when he signed from AIK Stockholm”, a shrewd piece of business that now puts Brighton in a strong negotiating position. Since then, Ayari “has made 66 appearances for Brighton and scored six goals”, a solid return for a midfielder, bolstered by useful loan spells at Coventry and Blackburn that helped him adapt to English football.

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For Forest, a bid north of £20m might be required to even reopen discussions. The club are now “deciding whether to make an increased offer for the 22-year-old”, which suggests internal debate about whether to stretch their budget or move on to alternative targets.

Forest motivation under Sean Dyche

One intriguing aspect of the Sky Sports report is the suggestion that Ayari “would likely receive a significant pay rise if he were to move to the City Ground”. That underlines Forest’s ambition and willingness to back Dyche in the market.

Dyche has built his managerial reputation on structure, discipline and physicality, but he also values midfielders who can read the game and recycle possession efficiently. Ayari’s profile fits that description neatly, and Forest’s interest shows a desire to blend graft with guile in the middle of the pitch.

Transfer outlook for Ayari

Brighton “have no desire to sell the Swedish international”, and unless Forest meet their valuation, this stance may not change. Still, the fact a formal bid has been lodged tells us the player is firmly on Forest’s radar.

As one imagined insider might put it, “Ayari’s consistency and age make him a premium asset in this market, and Brighton know exactly what they have.” Sky Sports deserve credit for bringing clarity to a developing story that could yet have more twists before the window shuts.

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From a Nottingham Forest fan’s perspective, this report sparks both excitement and a little anxiety. Sean Dyche has steadied the ship, and seeing the club chase a player of Yasin Ayari’s calibre feels like a statement of intent. A 22 year old who has already started 17 Premier League matches this season would bring energy and composure, something Forest’s midfield has lacked at times.

The £20m figure mentioned by Sky Sports sounds steep, but modern football has moved on, and quality comes at a price. If Brighton paid £3.5m and have developed him into a full international, it is no surprise they want a serious return. For Forest, the key question is whether Ayari can be the heartbeat of a Dyche midfield for the next five years. Many supporters would argue that is worth paying for.

There is also the appeal of ambition. Offering a “significant pay rise” suggests Forest want to be a destination club again, not just a stepping stone. Fans at the City Ground crave players who commit to the project, and Ayari feels like someone who could grow with the team.

If Forest do push their bid higher, it would show real belief in Dyche’s plan. If not, supporters will hope the club have equally smart alternatives lined up. Either way, this saga underlines that Forest are thinking bigger, and that alone is a positive sign for the season ahead.