Nottingham Forest agree surprise deal to sign Atletico Madrid star on four-year contract
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Credit: Imago / Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Harri Burton
Mon 1 September 2025 16:37, UK
Nuno Espirito Santo has turned to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in a bid to strengthen his Nottingham Forest squad this summer.
Espirito Santo and sporting director Edu have fallen out over transfers at the City Ground this summer, with the drama leading to suggestions that Evangelos Marinakis could be looking for a new manager.
However, with just hours remaining until the 7pm deadline, the Reds still have the same manager in charge, with new deals over the line for John Victor, Nicolo Savona, and Douglas Luiz.
Dan Ndoye has been the most successful of Forest’s newest arrivals so far, with James McAtee, Igor Jesus, Omari Hutchinson, and Arnaud Kalimuendo getting chances off the bench.
And despite Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic dominating at the back, Espirito Santo clearly feels more options at full-back are needed, especially when Ola Aina leaves for the African Cup of Nations.
Credit: Imago
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein (1 September), Forest have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for full-back Javi Galan on a permanent move this summer.
The 30-year-old Spaniard is undergoing his medical in his native country before signing a three-year deal at the City Ground, a deal which includes an extra year.
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During his time at the Metropolitano, Galan, who arrived from Celta Vigo in 2023, registered six assists in 50 games, in all competitions.
Football Insider verdict
Full-back is probably where the Reds are lacking the most because, after Aina and Neco Williams last season, there was very little support in the wide areas.
A deal appears close for Botafogo’s Cuiabano, who arrived at the City Ground for a medical on Monday, 1 September, and he would offer the much-needed reinforcement on the left-hand side.
Galan plays a similar position, but with over 100 appearances for La Liga sides, the veteran is much more likely to play a bigger role for the Reds next season, especially in Europe.
The Reds have completed some incredible business so far this summer, and while there has been a lot of noise behind the scenes, it has not stopped these signings from getting done.
While the squad has received an overhaul, there is still time remaining for more deals to go through, and if any deal sheets are submitted, some of these signings could run into the night.
Adama Traore remains a name on the club’s radar – a favourite under Espirito Santo at Wolves – but it remains to be seen how many more deals will be done after Galan.