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Nottingham Forest Submit Bid for “Brilliant” Norwich City Winger Amid Left-Back Search Following Toffolo’s Exit

 

Nottingham Forest have made their move in the transfer market with a formal offer to sign highly-rated winger Borja Sainz from Championship outfit Norwich City. The 23-year-old Spaniard, valued at around £13 million, has attracted interest from several clubs following a standout season, and Forest are now among the frontrunners in the race for his signature, according to a new report.

 

Sainz, who has impressed with his dynamic performances and eye for goal, is not the only name on Forest’s radar. The club has also been actively reshaping its defensive line-up after confirming that left-back Harry Toffolo will be departing once his contract expires at the end of June.

 

Toffolo’s departure was announced as part of Nottingham Forest’s retained list, a routine post-season announcement in which clubs confirm which players will remain and who will be leaving. The 28-year-old defender, who joined the Reds from Huddersfield Town in 2022, featured 57 times in total for Forest but struggled for game time in the Premier League last season, making just four top-flight appearances.

 

Taking to social media after his exit was made official, Toffolo expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the club and its supporters. He described his time at the City Ground as unforgettable, saying the team is “a special group” and thanking fans for the memories they helped create during his stay.

 

With Toffolo moving on, Forest have wasted no time identifying potential replacements. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the club has made an approach to sign Atlético Madrid left-back Reinildo Mandava on a free transfer. Reinildo is currently set to remain with the La Liga giants for their Club World Cup commitments, but a move is expected to follow shortly after. However, competition for the Mozambican defender’s signature is fierce, with Sunderland, Leeds United, and several clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey also reportedly in the running.

 

Meanwhile, in a separate and perhaps more headline-grabbing move, Forest have entered the race to sign Borja Sainz, who caught the eye with his performances for Norwich throughout the 2024/25 Championship campaign. According to Spanish outlet Marca, as relayed by Nottingham Forest News, the East Midlands club have matched FC Porto’s £13 million offer for the winger, putting them firmly in contention to land the Spaniard.

 

Sainz is considered one of the Championship’s standout talents. Over the course of the season, he scored 18 goals and provided four assists across 41 league appearances — an impressive return that saw him finish as the joint second-highest scorer in the division, tied with Burnley’s Josh Brownhill. He averaged 0.45 goals per game and had a goal conversion rate of 15%, showcasing both efficiency and consistency in front of goal.

 

His explosive form has drawn attention from abroad as well, with Athletic Bilbao reportedly eyeing him as a potential successor to Nico Williams, who could leave the club during the summer transfer window. That interest could delay a final decision from Norwich, who are weighing their options amid mounting bids for their prized asset.

 

Although Forest already have a number of wide players in their squad — including Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga, and recent signing Jota Silva — manager Nuno Espírito Santo appears keen to bolster his attacking options even further, particularly as the club prepares for European football next season. Sainz’s ability to contribute both goals and creativity makes him an ideal candidate to enhance Forest’s offensive threat.

 

Former Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup has spoken highly of Sainz, praising not only his technical qualities but also his influence on the atmosphere and energy within the stadium.

 

“Also, he raises a good atmosphere with the crowd. He’s one of these players who can create that atmosphere in the stadium,” said Thorup. “He can do something on his own once in a while, and he can do brilliant shots and dribbles and stuff like this. I’ve been pleased with his pressing game because he’s covered a lot of ground. I think he’s definitely moving in the right direction.”

 

With interest growing and Forest seemingly determined to secure his services, the coming weeks could prove decisive in whether Sainz makes the jump to the Premier League with the Reds.