Ange now looking to sign two players he brought to Spurs for Nottingham Forest
Ange Postecoglou could be set for a dramatic reunion with several familiar faces, as reports suggest his new club, Nottingham Forest, are preparing a bold swoop for as many as four Tottenham Hotspur first-team players.
The Australian coach, who left Spurs in the summer after guiding them to Europa League glory, has only just been unveiled as Nottingham Forest’s new manager following the dismissal of Nuno Espirito Santo. While he inherits a squad that still carries Nuno’s fingerprints, it’s no secret that Postecoglou has his own distinct tactical blueprint — one that requires dynamic attacking players, adventurous full-backs, and defenders who are comfortable on the ball. With the January transfer window fast approaching, Forest are expected to back their new boss with reinforcements.
According to Daily Express via Fichajes, Postecoglou has identified four potential signings from his former club Tottenham, with Mathys Tel, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, and Radu Dragusin all emerging as targets to accelerate his rebuild at the City Ground.
Postecoglou looks back to Spurs for reinforcements
One of the most intriguing names on the list is Mathys Tel, the 20-year-old French forward who only recently joined Tottenham permanently. Tel is widely regarded as a player with enormous potential, capable of operating across the frontline. However, his opportunities under current Spurs boss Thomas Frank have been limited, and Postecoglou, who has already worked with him, may try to tempt him with a more central role at Forest. Spurs would be reluctant to part ways with him so soon, but Tel himself might be drawn to the idea of reuniting with the coach who first placed trust in his ability.
Another target is veteran defender Ben Davies. The 32-year-old Welshman has been a loyal servant at Spurs for over a decade but has increasingly found himself on the fringes under Frank. With his contract set to expire next summer, Davies could be available for a cut-price fee, and his leadership, versatility, and Premier League know-how would make him an ideal short-term fix for a Forest side looking to steady their defensive line.
Postecoglou is also understood to be pushing for Destiny Udogie, one of the most exciting young full-backs in English football. The Italian, still just 22, has made waves at Tottenham with his attacking instincts and energy down the left flank. However, Postecoglou is keen to bring him to Forest as part of a long-term project, believing he could be the ideal modern full-back for his fast-paced, attacking system. Convincing Spurs to sell such a prized asset in January, though, would likely prove extremely difficult.
The final name on the radar is Radu Dragusin, the Romanian centre-back who has been battling a serious ligament injury. Although he faces competition for minutes at Spurs from Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Dragusin is still considered a talent for the future in North London. Postecoglou, however, may see the opportunity to offer him a fresh start and more regular football at Forest, especially as the club seeks to solidify its defensive options.
Can Nottingham Forest pull off the deals?
There’s little doubt that all four players would immediately raise the level of Forest’s squad and help Postecoglou implement the free-flowing, attacking philosophy he is famous for. Ben Davies appears to be the most realistic signing given his contract situation and reduced role at Spurs, but the pursuits of Tel, Udogie, and Dragusin would represent far more ambitious moves.
Spurs, now under Thomas Frank, are unlikely to sanction the exits of their young stars without a serious fight. Udogie and Tel, in particular, are seen as important figures for Tottenham’s future, while Dragusin is viewed as strong competition for Romero and Van de Ven once he returns from injury.
Still, Postecoglou’s reputation as a motivator and his close ties with these players from his Tottenham tenure could play a role in persuading them to join his new project at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest’s hierarchy has already shown in recent years that they are not afraid to make bold moves in the transfer market, and if they want to support their new manager, they may attempt to test Spurs’ resolve with tempting offers.
Whether Forest can realistically secure all four targets is highly questionable, but even landing one or two could transform their fortunes for the second half of the season. What is certain is that Postecoglou’s arrival signals a new, ambitious era at Nottingham Forest — and he seems ready to raid his old club to get it started.