Nottingham Forest may have received a timely boost ahead of the January transfer window, as Andreas Pereira, a summer target, has hinted at the possibility of leaving Fulham.
Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo oversaw a hectic summer transfer window, bringing 11 new faces to the City Ground.
While some signings, such as Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic, have excelled and established themselves as key players, others, like David Carmo and Marko Stamenic, were sent out on loan to Olympiacos.
With January fast approaching, Forest are reportedly preparing an offer for Yuri Alberto, but Pereira’s recent comments have placed him firmly back on their radar.
Pereira Opens Door to Forest Move
Andreas Pereira has been a consistent performer in the Premier League during his time at Fulham. However, recent remarks suggest he may be growing restless at Craven Cottage.
In an interview with Premier League Brasil, the attacking midfielder revealed his interest in joining Marseille during the summer and acknowledged Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of him.
“From outside (England), there was (an offer) from Marseille, we talked, and unfortunately it didn’t work out,” Pereira said.
“In the last days (of the transfer window) there was also (an offer) Nottingham Forest. Those were the clubs that came closest to signing me, but there was a lot of interest.
“Since I was on vacation, I was in more contact with him (his agent, Bertolucci). But he always lets me know, he tells me: ‘Look, there are clubs interested, let’s see what happens’.
“It would be really cool (to go to Marseille), because of the way De Zerbi plays football. I was looking forward to it, but we’ll see now in January or at the end of the season if there will be a transfer or if I’ll stay at Fulham.”
Do Forest Need Pereira?
Forest’s midfield already features a wealth of attacking options. Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White have been integral as advanced midfielders, with Jota Silva also capable of playing centrally.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Dominguez has emerged as a key player, making it difficult for Espirito Santo to consistently fit Anderson and Gibbs-White into the same XI.
Pereira, who has scored just once in 12 Premier League appearances this season, might not offer the dynamism Forest need.
While his Premier League experience could be valuable, there’s little indication he would elevate Forest’s current attacking options.
Despite Fulham’s inconsistency potentially turning Pereira’s head, Forest seem well-stocked in midfield, and adding another player to an already crowded position might only complicate matters for Espirito Santo.
