Nottingham Forest could land a better signing than Weah with move for £21m “mosquito”
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo is preparing for a crucial 2025 summer transfer window, aiming to build on the club’s outstanding performance during the 2024/25 campaign. After guiding Forest to a historic European qualification, the Portuguese tactician is now focused on reinforcing his squad to ensure they can compete on multiple fronts, particularly in the UEFA Europa Conference League, where Forest are considered genuine contenders for silverware.
Ambitions to Strengthen and Compete in Europe
The success of last season has sparked optimism at the City Ground, and with European nights on the horizon, Nuno is well aware that added depth and quality will be essential to sustain both domestic and continental challenges. The Forest boss has reportedly shown admiration for several promising talents during the early stages of the window, including USA international Yunus Musah and German left-back Lukas Ullrich, as he seeks to plug key gaps in his squad.
However, one name that has consistently stood out amid transfer speculation is that of Timothy Weah, the versatile American winger currently playing for Juventus in Serie A.
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Timothy Weah Links Fizzle Out
Forest’s interest in Weah was widely reported earlier this month, with reputable sources such as Gianluca Di Marzio suggesting the club were seriously considering a move for the 24-year-old. Juventus were reportedly open to parting ways with the winger for a fee in the region of £12 million, a seemingly modest figure for a player of his pedigree.
Weah had a productive 2024/25 campaign in Italy, featuring in 43 matches across all competitions and contributing six goals and five assists. His attacking efficiency was impressive, boasting a 24% goal conversion rate, alongside creating four big chances and averaging 0.6 key passes per match. The USMNT international’s versatility, having played in various roles across the right flank—including as a wing-back and winger—was also viewed as an attractive asset for Forest, who are actively seeking reinforcements in wide positions.
Despite the deal reportedly being close to completion, journalist Ben Jacobs later revealed that Forest withdrew from negotiations after conducting extensive data analysis. While the reasons behind the decision weren’t fully disclosed, it suggests the club had concerns regarding Weah’s suitability or long-term value based on advanced performance metrics.
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Enter Pepe: The Ideal Alternative?
With the pursuit of Weah now off the table, Forest have swiftly shifted their focus to another high-calibre winger: Pepe, the Brazilian attacker currently plying his trade at FC Porto. According to ESPN, Forest are one of four Premier League clubs in talks over a potential summer move, with Aston Villa, Fulham, and Burnley also expressing interest. However, Forest’s recent European qualification may give them the upper hand in this transfer race.
Porto are believed to be asking for around £21 million for the 27-year-old, a figure that is well within Forest’s financial capabilities—especially considering the revenue boost from European football and prudent financial management over the last two windows.
Why Pepe Might Be the Better Fit
Although Weah may have represented a cheaper option, many analysts and fans alike believe Pepe is the more exciting and impactful player. In the 2024/25 season, the Brazilian winger notched 11 goal contributions in all competitions, showcasing a consistent attacking presence.
A closer look at the underlying stats paints an even clearer picture. When comparing both players’ league performances, Pepe comes out on top in several key areas:
Shots per 90 minutes: Pepe (1.36) vs Weah (1.15)
Shot-creating actions per 90: Pepe (2.71) vs Weah (1.98)
Goal-creating actions per 90: Pepe (0.36) vs Weah (0.16)
Touches in the opposition penalty area: Pepe (79) vs Weah (35)
These statistics underline Pepe’s greater attacking involvement and creative output, suggesting he could bring more firepower to Forest’s frontline.
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Versatility, Experience & Big-Game Pedigree
Pepe’s experience playing at the highest levels of club football further bolsters his appeal. He has scored in major competitions such as the Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and Europa League, and has also earned two senior caps for Brazil—no small feat given the nation’s depth in attacking talent.
His ability to operate on either wing gives Nuno Espírito Santo tactical flexibility, particularly valuable in a season that could involve juggling Premier League, Conference League, and domestic cup fixtures. Injuries and fixture congestion are inevitable, so having a player of Pepe’s calibre who can adapt to different roles will be crucial.
Renowned South American football expert Tim Vickery previously praised Pepe’s playing style, describing him as a “little mosquito kind of winger,” who is equally comfortable on either flank and capable of creating havoc with his quick feet and sharp movement.
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Conclusion: A Smart Step Forward
While the decision to abandon the Timothy Weah deal may have come as a surprise to some fans, Forest’s redirection towards Pepe could prove to be a smart, forward-thinking move. At £21 million, the Porto star presents strong value and brings with him a blend of top-level experience, versatility, and attacking dynamism—qualities that would significantly strengthen Forest’s chances of progressing deep into Europe while maintaining a solid showing in the Premier League.
If Nuno Espírito Santo is looking for players who can make an instant impact and handle the pressure of big occasions, Pepe may be exactly what Forest need. With negotiations reportedly underway, fans will be watching closely to see if the club can secure one of the most intriguing signings of the summer.