Al-Tai in advanced talks with Nottingham Forest over outcast striker
Al-Tai had a decent start to the season, winning two of their opening five games of the season to sit 11th on the league table.
The club have been desperate for a new number 9 and were on the verge of signing former Barcelona striker Paco Alcácer, but the deal collapsed in the final stages.
But it looks like Al-Tai have now found a new target in Nigeria and Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis to lead the attacking lineup for the season.
According to Saudi publication Arriyadiyah, Al-Tai’s negotiations with Dennis have reached an advanced stage as the transfer window closes in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, September 7.
Meanwhile, the report also added that Al-Tai have agreed personal terms with Salernitana’s striker Diego Valencia, but would only sign the Chilean if the deal for Dennis falls through.
Dennis, 25, joined Nottingham Forest in August 2022 from Watford for almost €15m, scoring twice in 25 games last season, but is yet to feature for the club in this campaign.
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Nottingham Forest did some excellent business in the summer transfer window, leading to plenty of optimism about the season ahead.
Bringing in Ibrahim Sangare was certainly a statement of intent. But there is also a lot of excitement about what the other new additions have to offer.
Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos being one. Steve Cooper has been taking it slowly with the 19-year-old, who has so far been restricted to a single substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup defeat to Burnley.
Midfield is an area where there is no shortage of competition for places, but Santos will hope to get the opportunity to make his mark. We take a look at the youngster, his career so far and what he can bring to the Reds.
Career so far
The teenager joined Chelsea in January this year from Vasco da Gama, where he had come up through the ranks. He had made his professional debut for the Brazilian outfit at the age of just 16, in March 2021.
He signed a seven-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge when he joined, making the move for a reported £13 million and committing his future to the club until the summer of 2030. He went back on loan to Vasco da Gama in March and is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Blues.
Santos was part of the young Brazil team that won the South American Under-20 Championship at the start of the year. He captained the side and finished the tournament as joint-top scorer with six goals. He has earned one senior Brazil cap, having featured against Morocco.
According to Transfermarkt, the teenager shares an agent with Forest stars Felipe and Danilo. Not only is his agent familiar with the Reds hierarchy, but a small contingent of Brazilian players may help him settle at the club quicker.
Cooper’s verdict
Of Santos joining the ranks of Brazilian players at the City Ground, Cooper said: “It’s not something that is new to us. So far, we have had a really good experience with Brazilian players. The ones we have worked with so far have a real good love for training and playing and teamship. I’m sure Andrey will be exactly the same.
“He’s a highly rated young player. That’s why Chelsea have got him.
“He’s talented, for sure. He’s a really pleasant lad. He’s a highly talented young player. Hopefully he can make a difference for us.”
What has been said?
“I am very happy and excited to be here,” Santos said after putting pen to paper. “I know that Forest is a big club, they play good football and they have good players, which is important for me. It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League and I can’t wait to enjoy playing.”
Chief football officer Ross Wilson told the club’s official website: “Everyone knows how talented Andrey is, so naturally we are pleased that amongst the considerable interest in him, he and Chelsea have chosen Nottingham Forest. We are all delighted to have him.”
