Nottingham Forest ‘Leave Negotiations’ for ‘Highly Talented Youngster’ After Tim Weah Deal Collapse
Nottingham Forest Pull Out of Samuel Mbangula Talks Following Timothy Weah Snub, Casting Doubt Over Summer Transfer Plans
Nottingham Forest’s impressive resurgence under Nuno Espírito Santo during the 2024/25 campaign saw them claim a 7th-place finish in the Premier League, thereby securing European qualification for the upcoming season. At various points throughout the campaign, Forest were even punching above their weight in the top four, defying expectations with both their attacking flair and defensive discipline. But as preparations intensify for next season, the club’s transfer window ambitions have taken a hit with the collapse of a move for one of their main targets.
Forest Walk Away from Mbangula Deal Following Weah Rejection
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Samuel Mbangula’s proposed move to the City Ground from Juventus has broken down. According to Romano, Forest have officially withdrawn from negotiations, citing dissatisfaction with the “current conditions of the deal.” While specific details about those conditions remain unclear, it’s evident the club no longer views the transfer as viable or beneficial under the revised terms presented.
This breakdown follows on the heels of an earlier setback: the failed attempt to sign Timothy Weah, Mbangula’s Juventus teammate. On June 26, Romano also confirmed that Weah had rejected Forest’s proposal outright, with the US international reportedly having “no intention” of joining the Midlands side.
A Joint Deal Unravels
Initially, Forest’s interest in Weah and Mbangula had appeared to be structured as a double swoop from the Turin-based giants, with the reported combined fee in the region of £19 million. However, with Weah stepping away from negotiations, it’s plausible that Juventus revised their terms, potentially increasing Mbangula’s standalone valuation or altering other aspects of the agreement—leading Forest to pull the plug entirely.
The failed transfer may signal broader complications in Forest’s summer recruitment strategy, as they seek to deepen their squad to meet the demands of domestic and European competition.
Assessing Forest’s Need for Attacking Reinforcements
Despite the setback, Forest enter the 2025/26 season with plenty of optimism. Their 2024/25 Premier League campaign was defined by a robust defensive unit and a clinical attacking trio. The defence, anchored by Matz Sels, Murillo, and Nikola Milenkovic, proved exceptionally sturdy, with the team conceding just 1.2 goals per game—a statistic that ranked among the league’s best.
Offensively, Chris Wood enjoyed a career-best season, netting 20 Premier League goals, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga each surpassed 15 combined goals and assists, providing creativity and pace in the final third. Callum Hudson-Odoi also chipped in, although his overall contributions were more modest, registering five goals and two assists in league play.
However, while the starting XI remains strong, squad depth in the wide areas—particularly on the left flank—is a growing concern. Jota Silva has struggled to adapt, and Danilo, a central midfielder by trade, was often pushed into an unnatural wide role due to a lack of alternatives. This left Forest short-handed in situations that called for tactical reshuffling, rotation, or a fresh attacking spark from the bench.
Mbangula Would Have Filled a Crucial Gap
At just 20 years old, Samuel Mbangula is widely regarded as a high-upside talent. Though still developing, he’s shown glimpses of the explosiveness and creativity that could have made him a valuable squad option for Forest—especially as a left-wing alternative capable of stretching defences and offering relief for first-team regulars.
Bringing in a young player like Mbangula would have also aligned with the club’s long-term vision: developing younger talents who can eventually break into the starting XI or be moved on for a profit. His addition could have also provided Nuno Espírito Santo with tactical flexibility, something that may prove crucial during their upcoming European campaign.
What’s Next for Forest?
With the double deal off the table, Forest’s recruitment team must now pivot quickly to alternative targets. Nuno Espírito Santo and the board will be eager to avoid a sluggish window that leaves the squad short-handed, especially with the added fixture congestion of European competition.
While the Mbangula-Weah saga may be over, the pursuit of reinforcements will undoubtedly continue—likely with a renewed focus on finding versatile, young, and affordable attacking options who can contribute both now and in the future. Whether Forest turn their attention to domestic alternatives, explore other opportunities in Italy, or look toward emerging markets in Portugal, France or Belgium, one thing is clear: their ambitions remain high, and the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping what could be a defining season at the City Ground.