🚨 BREAKING Nottingham Forest agree to sell 51-cap player slammed by Gary Neville, the club has lost money
Nottingham Forest Set for Summer Shake-Up as Multiple Players Head for the Exit
Nottingham Forest are preparing for a busy summer transfer window, with several players expected to depart the City Ground as the club reshapes its squad ahead of the 2024/25 season and a European campaign in the UEFA Conference League.
Among the first confirmed exits is left-back Harry Toffolo, who will be leaving Forest after spending three years with the club. His departure marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be a significant turnover in personnel.
Other players are also on the radar of clubs across Europe. Brazilian midfielder Danilo has been heavily linked with a move to French side Lyon, while the likes of Josh Bowler, David Carmo, and Marko Stamenic are expected to draw interest as the transfer window unfolds. These potential departures suggest a wider restructuring effort at Forest as they look to balance the squad and possibly free up wage space for incoming talent.
As is typical with the transfer window, departures will be matched with new arrivals. One of the most notable additions set to join Forest is Brazilian forward Igor Jesus, whose signing would bolster the team’s attacking options. With European football on the horizon, further reinforcements are also expected in the coming weeks to ensure the squad is both competitive and well-rounded.
In the latest development, another outgoing transfer is nearing completion. Goalkeeper Matt Turner is poised to leave Nottingham Forest permanently, with a move to France now agreed upon.
Matt Turner Set to Join Lyon in £6.7 Million Deal
According to reports from Give Me Sport, Forest and Lyon have reached an agreement over the transfer of American goalkeeper Matt Turner. The Ligue 1 side will reportedly pay £6.7 million for the 30-year-old, bringing an end to his somewhat turbulent spell at the City Ground.
Turner initially arrived at Forest in the summer of 2023 from Arsenal in a £10 million deal, expected to provide stability between the posts. However, his time at the club failed to meet expectations. Over the course of the 2023/24 season, Turner made 21 appearances in all competitions and managed just three clean sheets. His performances often came under scrutiny, particularly for his distribution and composure under pressure — crucial skills for a modern goalkeeper.
His inconsistent displays led to new manager Nuno Espirito Santo dropping him from the starting lineup shortly after taking charge, opting instead for Belgian shot-stopper Matz Sels. Turner’s diminished role ultimately made him surplus to requirements.
The American international did have a brief high point during the season, enjoying a loan spell at Crystal Palace where he was part of their FA Cup-winning squad. However, upon his return to Forest, it was clear that his future lay elsewhere.
A Mixed Spell and a Harsh Critique from Gary Neville
Turner’s stint at Forest was not without its critics. Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was particularly blunt in his assessment. Following Forest’s 2-1 win over Manchester United in December 2023, Neville called Turner “useless with the ball at his feet” — a stark criticism that echoed the sentiments of many fans concerned with the goalkeeper’s lack of composure in possession.
While Neville’s choice of words might have been strong, they reflected a broader issue in Turner’s game that became increasingly difficult to overlook in the Premier League. For a team aiming to modernize its style under Espirito Santo, a goalkeeper uncomfortable with playing out from the back posed a tactical liability.
A Fresh Start Abroad
Despite the financial loss — with Forest set to recoup £6.7 million of the original £10 million paid for Turner — the deal represents a positive step for both the club and the player. Offloading a high-earner who no longer featured in the club’s plans helps ease the wage bill and opens up room for a potential replacement who better fits the manager’s system.
For Turner, the move to Lyon provides an opportunity to reset his career in a new environment. As a 51-cap international for the United States, he brings experience and pedigree, and a change of scenery in Ligue 1 could offer the consistency and support he needs to get back to his best.
As Forest begin their summer rebuild, Turner’s departure could be the first of many. It signals the club’s intent to be proactive and decisive in shaping a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts next season — both domestically and in Europe.