Nottingham Forest player realises ‘childhood dream’ after turning down Manchester City | OneFootball

The new Nottingham Forest player Luca Netz has said joining a Premier League club is a “childhood dream” after turning down Manchester City at just 15-years-old.

Netz joined Forest on deadline day of the most recent January transfer window in a move that very much came out of nowhere, despite reports emerging earlier in the day that an unnamed English side were interested.

It was soon disclosed that the club was Nottingham Forest, who wrapped up a €2.5 million move for the now-former Borussia Monchengladbach left-back – who was once one of the highest rated prospects in Germany. 

The move came after the City Ground club – fighting for survival in the Premier League – failed with three bids for Celtic’s highly-rated midfielder Arne Engels, who can operate on both flanks.  

Still, Netz will use this move as an opportunity to make a name for himself on the biggest domestic stage in world football and live out a childhood dream, which he revealed when reflecting on when he had the chance to join Manchester City.

“I had an offer from Manchester City when I was 15, but I turned it down. The fact is, the Premier League is a childhood dream of mine,” Netz told BILD, translated and relayed by Sport Witness. 

Borussia Monchengladbach were effectively forced into negotiating a move for the defender with his deal set to expire in the summer, which propelled them into selling in January if they wanted to make money. 

Rouven Schroder, the club’s sporting director, said, “Luca has developed from a talented youngster into an established Bundesliga professional at Borussia. 

“It had become clear in recent months that our time together would come to an end in the summer. This was therefore the last financially viable opportunity to complete a transfer that would benefit all parties.”

Upon the official announcement, Netz told the club’s website that Nottingham Forest is a “great club with a unique history,” and that the chance to play in the Premier League brings a sense of excitement. 

He added, “I am ready for a new challenge and the next step in my career. I am extremely motivated to get started here and am incredibly excited about the first training sessions and matches at The City Ground in front of our fans.”

Despite the fact he is only 22 years old, Netz made over 120 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach and played a part in 21 goals during that period, which shows a willingness to drive forward and create chances.