Nottingham Forest have confirmed that defender Willy Boly has signed a new one-year contract with the club, extending his stay at the City Ground into the 2025 season. The 34-year-old centre-back joined Forest from Wolves in 2022 and has steadily become a trusted figure in the squad under multiple managerial regimes.
The new deal reflects the club’s faith in Boly’s experience, composure and leadership qualities. Speaking to Sky Sports, Ross Wilson, Forest’s chief football officer, praised the Ivorian’s character and contribution last season.
“Willy is an experienced Premier League player who adds a lot of value to our squad, and we are pleased he has signed a new deal,” Wilson said. “An extremely dedicated professional, Willy has played at the highest level for a long time and he contributed significantly to the team’s successful season last year. He is passionate about winning football matches, and with his leadership qualities and ability to speak multiple languages, he connects the group and helps those around him.”
The quote underlines a wider truth at Forest right now — the value of cohesion and stability in a squad that, for much of the past 18 months, has seen frequent change both on and off the pitch.
Continuity and Character in the Backline
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Forest’s decision to retain Boly suggests more than just a contract renewal for an ageing defender. It signals the club’s commitment to retaining strong characters who have bought into the club’s ethos and culture. Last season, Boly played an important role when fit, and while injuries limited his overall contribution, his performances remained calm, reliable and professional when called upon.
The value of a veteran voice in the dressing room should not be understated either. As Ross Wilson pointed out, Boly’s multilingual abilities and leadership credentials provide crucial glue in a dressing room composed of players from multiple continents. It is this sense of inclusivity and togetherness that helped Forest stay afloat in the Premier League during a turbulent 2023–24 campaign.
With young defenders like Murillo, Neco Williams and Ola Aina still growing into their roles, Boly’s presence on the training ground and in matchday squads offers Forest an additional layer of security and mentorship.
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Forest Prioritise Squad Stability Ahead of 2025
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After several transfer windows of high turnover, Nottingham Forest now appear to be focusing more on internal consolidation than large-scale overhaul. Re-signing Boly for another year fits into that strategy. While he may not feature in every game, his experience allows him to rotate in seamlessly when needed, especially in tight fixtures or when Forest’s backline faces injury concerns.
Forest’s Premier League survival last season was hard-earned. It was built on defensive resilience, tactical adjustments and the emergence of a settled core of players. Boly’s role in that defensive unit, especially during pivotal matches late in the campaign, was quietly effective. His ability to remain composed under pressure and marshal less experienced teammates proved invaluable in moments of uncertainty.
Retaining such know-how, rather than constantly replacing players, will likely be central to Forest’s aspirations of climbing into mid-table stability next season.
Leadership Needed as Forest Eye Progress
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Boly’s contract extension arrives at a time when Forest are entering a transitional phase. The club is reportedly seeking to reduce player turnover and establish a more consistent playing identity. Key to this will be the presence of senior professionals who understand the demands of the Premier League and can nurture emerging talent.
Boly fits that profile perfectly. Having represented Wolves and Forest at the top level and earned caps with the Ivory Coast national team, he brings both international and domestic experience to a dressing room that needs balance as much as it needs flair.
There’s also the emotional intelligence factor. “He connects the group and helps those around him,” Wilson noted, and that sense of unity is vital for any club seeking sustained Premier League status.
By extending Boly’s deal, Forest are effectively doubling down on their belief that leadership, loyalty and longevity can be just as impactful as fresh signings.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
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From a Forest supporter’s perspective, the decision to give Willy Boly another year feels absolutely right. While not the flashiest player, Boly has quietly gone about his job with professionalism and maturity. His calming presence at the back makes a big difference in high-pressure games, especially when younger players might get caught out by Premier League intensity.
Fans will remember key moments last season when Boly stepped in and offered stability — particularly when injuries hit hard in defence. His experience from his Wolves days and international caps makes him someone players naturally turn to. But beyond that, he’s a fan favourite because he genuinely seems to care. Whether he’s starting or on the bench, he’s engaged and committed.
For a club that has at times been criticised for bringing in too many players too quickly, this deal is refreshing. It signals a move toward smarter squad building, valuing those who’ve proved themselves and contributed to survival. If Forest want to grow, they’ll need players like Boly who understand what it means to battle for points in every match.
With the club stabilising after a few seasons of transition, keeping Boly is a nod to consistency. Supporters will back that decision, knowing it’s not just about what he brings on the pitch but also how he influences the group off it. His leadership, humility and experience may not grab headlines, but they win you points — and in the Premier League, that’s what matters most.