Report: Nottingham Forest set to move for £55m Premier League midfielder | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Eye Tijjani Reijnders in £55m Transfer as Midfield Plans Take Shape

Nottingham Forest are exploring an ambitious move for Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, with the Netherlands international emerging as a £55m target, according to the Daily Mail. It is the sort of development that immediately draws attention, both because of the fee involved and the calibre of player under discussion.

Reijnders only arrived at the Etihad from AC Milan last summer, yet Forest’s interest appears genuine. The 28-year-old featured 47 times across all competitions for City, although his involvement did not always come from the start. That detail matters. For a player of his profile, regular starts can shape the next career decision, and it is understood he would be open to the switch in search of consistent first-team football.

Forest’s recruitment team are clearly targeting experience and quality in key areas. Reijnders would offer technical security, composure in possession and a level of control that could elevate the midfield unit. With Oliver Glasner preparing for a demanding campaign, the suggestion is that the Dutchman would hold a significant role in those plans.

Photo IMAGO

Reijnders transfer interest gains momentum

There has already been competition for the midfielder this summer. Atletico Madrid looked at Reijnders earlier in the window, but City’s valuation, thought to be around £60m at that stage, pushed them towards alternative options. Forest now appear ready to test that stance at £55m, which would still represent a swift profit on the £46.5m City paid Milan.

From City’s perspective, there is logic to considering sales. They are looking to reshape parts of the squad and are also pursuing Lille talent Ayyoub Bouaddi, while expectation is building around a possible approach from Real Madrid for Rodri. Barcelona have also been assessing their own position.

Forest transfer plans extend beyond midfield

Forest’s activity is not confined to Reijnders. Work continues on a deal for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande, while the club remain in the mix for Chelsea forward Liam Delap. Taken together, it points to a recruitment drive with clear intent, one focused on raising the ceiling of the squad rather than merely filling gaps.

If Forest can bring Reijnders to the City Ground, it would be one of the most striking transfer stories of the window and a major statement ahead of the new season.

Our View

From a Nottingham Forest perspective, this is exactly the kind of report that sparks real curiosity. Reijnders feels like a name from a different level of the market, a player associated with elite European football, and that alone says plenty about how Forest may now be thinking. If there is a genuine chance to sign him, supporters would be right to get excited.

The biggest attraction is fit. Forest have often needed more calmness and authority in midfield, especially in matches where control has slipped away too easily. Reijnders looks like the sort of player who could help dictate tempo, keep possession moving and give the side a more polished feel in the middle of the pitch. For a team wanting to progress, that is a major need.

There would, of course, be questions over the fee. £55m is huge money for Forest and any deal at that level has to work. Supporters would want confidence that the move is part of a wider strategy and not a one-off gamble. Yet if the club believe he can become a central figure under Oliver Glasner, then it is understandable why they would push.

More than anything, this report hints at ambition. Forest being linked with Reijnders, Diomande and Liam Delap suggests a club trying to move with purpose. Fans will know transfers of this size are never simple, but this is the type of noise around the club that feels encouraging.