Nottingham Forest ‘make a move’ for £21m Golden Boot winner
Nottingham Forest Eye Lyon Striker Georges Mikautadze as Summer Reinforcements Continue
Nottingham Forest are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Georges Mikautadze from Olympique Lyonnais, as manager Nuno Espirito Santo continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With the Reds aiming to build on last season’s momentum and prepare for a potentially demanding European schedule, improving their attacking options has become a key area of focus during the current transfer window.
Forest Already Lining Up Deals – and Could Go Further
Forest are already expected to complete the signing of Igor Jesus from Brazilian club Botafogo, with the deal now progressing quickly following the conclusion of the Club World Cup. The young striker is viewed as a promising addition for the future, but sources suggest that Forest’s attacking recruitment drive will not end there.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Forest are now among a growing list of clubs showing strong interest in Mikautadze, who enjoyed a highly productive season in Ligue 1, scoring 11 goals for Lyon. His exploits have caught the attention of clubs not only in the Premier League, but also across Serie A and the Bundesliga — with Roma and Eintracht Frankfurt named as notable admirers.
Lyon’s Financial Woes Could Open the Door
Forest’s interest in Mikautadze comes at a pivotal time for Lyon, whose shock relegation to Ligue 2—triggered by financial instability—has left several of their players’ futures hanging in the balance. Earlier this week, French football authorities ruled that Lyon would drop to the second division after the club’s ownership, Eagle Football Group, failed to meet financial obligations. Lyon are appealing the decision, but the situation has already sparked speculation of a potential fire sale.
Among the players who could be sacrificed to ease financial pressure, Mikautadze stands out as a high-value asset. He has three years remaining on his current deal, but Lyon are believed to be open to offers starting at €25 million (£21 million). Though no official bids have been submitted yet, sources close to the club expect a flurry of interest in the coming weeks.
A Rising Talent With International Pedigree
Mikautadze, 24, first made waves on the European stage during Euro 2024, where he secured the Golden Boot by scoring three goals, tying with high-profile players like Harry Kane, Dani Olmo, Cody Gakpo, Ivan Schranz, and Jamal Musiala. That tournament cemented his status as one of the breakout stars of the summer, and Lyon wasted no time snapping him up from Metz following his success.
Although his natural position is as a right-footed centre forward, Mikautadze has demonstrated impressive positional flexibility, having featured on the left wing and occasionally in deeper attacking roles. That adaptability could prove to be a major asset for Nuno Espirito Santo, who prefers players capable of operating across multiple systems and formations.
Forest’s Forward Options – and Why Reinforcements Are Needed
Despite a respectable attacking output last season, Forest’s frontline still has questions surrounding its long-term reliability. Chris Wood finished the campaign as the team’s top scorer, but the New Zealander turned 33 in December and cannot shoulder the burden alone. Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi remains an exciting talent but is currently sidelined following a serious abdominal injury sustained in May’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
Mikautadze, with his youth, international experience, and proven eye for goal in a top European league, could offer a fresh dimension to Forest’s attack. Moreover, he would add valuable depth as Forest aim to juggle Premier League, domestic cup, and European commitments next season.
Competition Heating Up for Signature
Still, Forest will have their work cut out if they are to secure Mikautadze’s services. The player’s profile has attracted significant attention, and with Roma, Frankfurt, and other clubs circling, any deal will likely require swift and decisive action — especially as Lyon are holding firm on their valuation despite the financial strain.
If Forest can negotiate favourable terms, Mikautadze could emerge as one of their most impactful summer signings — one that reflects the club’s growing ambition under Nuno Espirito Santo.