Nottingham Forest tie down Zach Abbott and sanction deadline day loan to Southampton | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest said in a statement that defender Zach Abbott has signed a new contract until 2030 and joined Southampton on loan for the rest of the campaign.

The 2025/26 campaign was a breakthrough for the defender, who made his Premier League debut and appeared seven times in the Europa League as Forest reached the semi-finals.

Last season brought memorable experiences that have left him hungry to keep improving, and he regards Forest as home after nearly 10 years with the club.

He views the extension as a great feeling and has set his focus on working hard each day and gaining as much experience as possible to put himself in the best position to represent Forest in the years ahead.

A Nigel Doughty Academy graduate, Abbott joined at the age of 11 and has progressed through the ranks.

The academy strategy centres on a clear pathway to the first team, challenging leading prospects early to earn consistent minutes, and Abbott exemplifies that approach.

He made his senior debut at 16 and has continued to develop with every opportunity, and the Southampton move is intended to offer regular minutes as his progression continues.

Source: Nottingham Post

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”