Having just secured promotion back to the promise land, life is looking rosy for Nottingham Forest. Or rather it was.
They are yet to make any signings despite being linked with several players, and a key player has announced that he won’t be signing a new contract.
Goalkeeper Brice Samba was at the heart of Forest’s playoff success but it could be the end of the road for him. David Ornstein of the Athletic is reporting that Samba intends to leave this summer.
Nottingham Forest Ace Brice Samba Wants to Leave
Why Brice Samba Wants to Leave Nottingham Forest
Brice Samba along with names such as Brennan Johnson, Joe Worrall and Djed Spence was integral for Nottingham Forest last year. Perceived wisdom would assume that the Congolese shot-stopper would be keen to stay put, but there is more than meets the eye. The original proposal from the club to extend his stay at the City Ground is far below his expectations.
Samba’s current deal is set to run out in 2023, leaving just one year left. Instead of leaving on a free though, the 28-year-old “intends to leave this summer”, albeit “reluctantly”. Nottingham Forest may well have shot themselves in the foot with their opening offer. Ethan Horvath, who has seven USMNT caps to his name, is the next man up in Nottingham but the club would surely sign someone if Samba were to leave.
🚨 EXCL: Nottingham Forest suffer major blow as goalkeeper Brice Samba informs club he won’t be signing new contract (deal ends 2023) and reluctantly intends to leave this summer. #NFFC still hopeful but 28yo deemed recent offer unacceptable @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/7TTrYc8IJ2
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 7, 2022
“Forest only recently made their move to extend those terms, through a proposal that is believed to have been deemed by the 28-year-old as unacceptable… Samba’s decision to turn down the offer and reluctantly seek an exit is said not to be financially motivated but about respect for his achievements, importance and popularity at the City Ground.”
Where Could He End Up?
“The former Le Havre and Marseille stopper has become a favourite among fans and is known to have formed a strong affinity with both Forest and Nottingham, where his two children were born.” A return to France could be a possibility but it seems more likely that he would want to remain in England given the recent family ties made here.
He is in the prime years as a goalkeeper but as previously mentioned, has just one year left on his deal. Thus Nottingham Forest would be left in a grey area when it comes to demanding a reasonable fee. The likes of Newcastle and West Ham have been in the market for a new goalkeeper with Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson being just two a couple of names mentioned in the conversation.
RC Lens is one reported destination for Samba; although plenty of Reds fans are hopeful that this, rather dramatic, announcement could in fact be part of the negotiating process and that he will continue to eventually pen a new deal.
Nottingham Forest would not have expected their summer dealings to begin in a negative light like this. The question now is whether they can change Samba’s mind or not.
👏 Brice Samba didn't commit a single error leading to an opposition goal in 43 appearances in the Championship (incl. play-offs) last season pic.twitter.com/DjOKU7h5VX
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 7, 2022
