Nottingham Forest faces uncertainty over several players’ futures in the upcoming summer transfer window, including World Cup champion Gonzalo Montiel.
The Reds’ player arrived at the City Ground in the summer of 2023, initially on a season-long loan with a purchase option. However, Montiel’s time at Forest hasn’t gone as planned, featuring in just 14 games across all competitions and sidelined since February.
Despite starting only twice under Steve Cooper, Montiel faced criticism after his City Ground debut against Burnley. Although initially getting opportunities under Nuno Espirito Santo, an injury has slowed his progress, and he’s currently considered a backup option from the bench.
Neco Williams’ emergence as a standout performer at right-back has further complicated Montiel’s situation at Forest. With uncertainties looming, Montiel, along with other players, awaits news about his future at the club, despite holding a World Cup winner’s medal.
Latest Report Offers Update on Gonzalo Montiel’s Future with Nottingham Forest
It appears that Nottingham Forest has decided not to extend Montiel’s stay beyond the summer, which may not be surprising given his lack of recent game time.
Since sustaining an injury during an FA Cup match against Bristol City in February, Montiel hasn’t seen any action on the field. Reports suggest that Forest has communicated to Sevilla their decision not to exercise the purchase option for the defender.
This means Montiel won’t meet the required number of games to trigger a mandatory purchase clause, leaving his future uncertain. Sevilla had anticipated receiving £9 million for his transfer but will now need to explore other options to offload him permanently. While there is interest in loaning Montiel for the upcoming season, finding a buyer may prove challenging for Sevilla.
Forest’s decision to unload excess defender is justified
There was a brief moment where Espirito Santo and Montiel seemed like a perfect match. The defender showcased his skills against Newcastle and Manchester United during the Christmas period, sparking hope for his future. However, Montiel’s struggles with injuries and the emergence of Williams have dimmed his prospects.
With Ola Aina also capable of covering at right-back and Williams showing promise, committing to Montiel permanently doesn’t seem logical for Forest. Despite being 27 years old, Montiel hasn’t made a significant impact in the Premier League, making Forest’s decision appear reasonable.