“Sels likely to be dropped” as Nottingham Forest want to sign ‘best in the world’ goalkeeper who saves more shots than Matz Sels
Nottingham Forest Eye Lyon’s Lucas Perri as Potential Goalkeeping Reinforcement
In a move that has become something of a recurring theme, Nottingham Forest are once again being linked with a player from one of John Textor’s affiliated clubs—this time, Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Forest have joined a growing list of suitors expressing interest in the 27-year-old Brazilian shot-stopper. AC Milan are also reportedly monitoring the situation closely, as clubs across Europe begin their summer recruitment drives.
Perri joined French side Lyon in January 2024 from Botafogo, another club under the ownership of businessman John Textor. His arrival was part of a broader internal reshuffle orchestrated by Textor, who has been leveraging his multi-club model to move talent between his football holdings. Despite only joining midway through the 2023/24 season, Perri quickly established himself as Lyon’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Over the course of the 2024/25 campaign, the Brazilian featured in 45 matches across all competitions, including the UEFA Europa League, managing an impressive 13 clean sheets. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with scouts from several top European clubs tracking his progress.
While Lyon have not disclosed a price tag for Perri, interest is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, especially with clubs in need of dependable goalkeeping options. Forest, preparing for a busy season that includes European fixtures, are believed to be evaluating options to strengthen competition between the posts, even if they are not actively seeking to replace current number one Matz Sels.
From a statistical standpoint, comparisons between Perri and Sels are tight. According to data from Squawka, Sels made more total saves last season—120 compared to Perri’s 116—but Perri edges the Belgian slightly in save percentage, stopping 72.5% of the shots he faced compared to Sels’ 72.29%.
In addition, Perri has shown slightly superior distribution skills. His long-pass accuracy stands at 35.99%, reflecting his ability to start attacks and play out from the back, a quality increasingly valued in modern goalkeepers.
His influence at Lyon has been significant enough to earn glowing praise from new manager Paulo Fonseca, who went so far as to describe Perri as “the best goalkeeper in the world” following a string of standout displays during the season. That kind of endorsement has only fueled speculation about a potential move this summer.
Interestingly, Lyon are reportedly close to signing Matt Turner from Nottingham Forest, suggesting that they may already be planning for life without Perri. If that deal goes through, it could pave the way for the Brazilian’s exit, potentially smoothing the path for Forest to secure his services.
Whether Forest push forward with a concrete offer remains to be seen, but with Perri’s experience, form, and growing reputation, he could be a valuable addition to a squad aiming to make its mark both domestically and in Europe next season.