Lionel Messi against his hardest opponent. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Once clinging to survival, now dreaming of Europe—Nottingham Forest’s transformation under Nuno Espírito Santo has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Just a season after narrowly avoiding relegation, Forest stunned the Premier League by finishing seventh in 2024/25, clinching a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League. It marks their first taste of European football in over 30 years, capping off a campaign that defied expectations and brought belief roaring back to the City Ground.
At one point soaring as high as second in the table, only a late-season slump prevented an even more remarkable finish. Still, their resurgence has turned heads across Europe—and they’re not wasting time in the transfer market.
Having already fended off interest in breakout winger Anthony Elanga, Forest are now closing in on three major signings from Botafogo: centre-back Jair Cunha, striker Igor Jesus, and left-back Cuiabano—all key figures in the Brazilian club’s title-winning season. The trio have impressed further at the 2025 Club World Cup, with Jesus netting the winner in a stunning upset over PSG.
And the ambition doesn’t stop there. A surprise swoop for England international Jordan Henderson is also in motion, and now the club is eyeing yet another marquee name as they look to make their mark on the European stage.
Forest Submit Bid for Pablo Maffeo
According to a new report from Marcos Benoit of El Chiringuito TV, Nottingham Forest have submitted a £5 million bid for Mallorca right-back Pablo Maffeo.
Benoit claims that personal terms have already been agreed, with the only steps remaining being Mallorca’s acceptance of the offer and the completion of a medical.
Maffeo, a former Manchester City youth product, holds the rare distinction of being named by none other than Lionel Messi as the toughest defender he’s ever faced.
When asked in 2020 to name his most difficult opponent, Messi—now with Inter Miami in MLS—said, per Goal: “Pablo Maffeo, when he was at Girona, was the hardest defender I’ve ever faced. I’ve never been one to complain. I believe that physical contact is part of football.”
The unexpected praise left a lasting impact on Maffeo, who said: “It was very special that Leo would say that. For me, it’s like winning a trophy. It’s the best recognition from the best player in history. We lost that game, but the experience will always mark my life.”
If the deal goes through, Forest will be landing a tenacious, battle-tested defender with one of the most unique endorsements in world football.
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