Now, one player has come clean about wanting to permanently quit Nottingham Forest this summer.
The Telegraph reports that Wayne Hennessey, Felipe, Harry Arter, and Cheikhou Kouyate are among the periphery players that are anticipated to leave the City Ground soon.
But now, it appears that another player will be joining the previously named quartet in leaving Nottingham Forest.
Orel Mangala desires a move away from Nottingham Forest.
Fans of Nottingham Forest can now prepare for disappointment if they were hoping to see Orel Mangala return to the City Ground this summer.
In the January transfer window, the Belgium international went on loan to Lyon. The French powerhouses also reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest to buy the player, reportedly for a sum as high as £30 million.
Mangala has now acknowledged that he would really like Lyon to exercise this purchase option.
The Belgian added, as reported by Foot Mercato: “I feel good here, even though a few physical issues prevented me from continuing.” I’m content with my season and the trust that was bestowed upon me. The choice to buy? Yes, I do hope that it will be lifted or enabled.
After making 20 Premier League appearances in the first half of the 2023–24 season, Mangala has made seven appearances in Ligue 1 and scored two goals since moving to Lyon.
Would be excellent news in terms of finances
This news may come as a shock to some, but it could be good for the City Ground’s budget.
Mangala was acquired by Nottingham Forest for £12.7 million from VfB Stuttgart back in July 2022.
Therefore, the Reds would make a tidy profit—£17.3 million, to be exact—if they could convince Lyon to offer them £30 million in exchange for the 26-year-old’s signature this summer.
After a challenging season financially, which even resulted in Nottingham Forest losing four points, that profit might even enable Nuno Espirito Santo to add a few new players to the City Ground come summertime.
