Nottingham Forest remain very interested in a deal to sign Besiktas defender Romain Saiss this summer. The experienced performer is set for a return to England after just one season.
According to Foot Mercato, the Reds are now preparing to make a swoop on the Turkish club. It’s believed that they would consider a sale but want to recoup what they feel he’s worth.
It’s been a whirlwind campaign for Saiss during 2022/23. In December he helped Morocco make history as they became the first African nation to reach the last four of the World Cup.
Forest have now decided to go in search of another defender or two in the summer. Felipe and Moussa Niakhate have been the recent partnership, with Joe Worrall or Scott McKenna slotting in when playing a three.
Saiss would bring an abundance of experience to the City Ground. He previously spent many years with Wolves, making 206 appearances, with over 100 of those coming in the Premier League.
At the reported cost of around £4.3 million, the defender wouldn’t break the bank. As a result, he might not prove to be a bad signing at all for the Reds to make.
Compatriot Medhi Benatia has raved about Saiss before. He called him ‘impeccable’ after being named Morocco captain for the recent World Cup.
Forest will make a new bid for Saiss
Forest won’t now be alone in the race to sign Saiss this summer. Much like last summer, the Reds are set to do battle with Everton for the player’s signature as they also bid to strengthen their squad.
Forest will be hoping that the experienced performer could have a similar impact to Felipe. He signed for the club in January as an experienced option and the consensus will be that Saiss could do the same.
It now seems as though the player wants to move. The ball is therefore in Forest’s court and if they pay the money perhaps they will get their man this summer.
It’s hard to knock Steve Cooper in the transfer market and if he wants him to come in, then so be it. Saiss would be a pretty decent addition to the squad and the Reds will hope to win this race.
