Interest in their key men has been a theme of this summer’s transfer window for Nottingham Forest.
After last season’s heroics, it was perhaps inevitable Reds players would make other clubs sit up and take notice. It was, after all, a memorable campaign on the banks of the Trent and plenty of Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad starred in the Garibaldi.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was among those who played a big part in Forest’s seventh-placed finish in the Premier League and has since emerged as a target for others. Amid speculation about the winger, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at the state of play regarding his situation at the City Ground.
What happened last season?
When Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal of the game as Nuno’s men toppled Liverpool at Anfield in September, it was a statement result for the Reds. It showed they were the real deal.
The 24-year-old went on to bag a few more big goals for the club in 2024/25, including the one to clinch a 1-0 win over Manchester City in March. He found the net a total of five times from 36 appearances.
For much of the campaign, Forest had looked on course to clinch a Champions League spot. However, a dip in form in the final weeks - with Hudson-Odoi hampered by injury - left them having to settle for seventh and a place in next season’s Conference League.
Who is interested in Hudson-Odoi?
AC Milan, Napoli and Roma have all been credited with an interest in the former Chelsea wide man for some time. Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with a potential swoop for him.
Reports from Italy have suggested Napoli boss Antonio Conte is particularly keen to link up with Hudson-Odoi again after the pair worked together at Stamford Bridge. Conte is said to have “specifically requested” to be reunited with the winger.
United are said to have enquired about Hudson-Odoi’s availability in January, only to be met with a firm response from Forest. It remains to be seen whether they will try their luck again.
What is Hudson-Odoi’s contract situation?
The fact the Reds ace has just 12 months remaining on his deal has put his admirers on alert. They apparently sense an opportunity given Forest are well aware the player could walk away on a free transfer next summer.
The Reds are said to be eager to get Hudson-Odoi tied to fresh terms to avoid such a scenario. But if there are any indications he is unlikely to put pen to paper, the club face weighing up whether to cash-in now.
According to The Sun, Forest are eager to keep hold of the player and are “desperate” to get him tied to a new deal. Negotiations are said to be continuing over a new contract.
“Talks are ongoing and Forest have presented him with a new deal,” a source close to the player told The Sun. “But let’s see, because there is also interest from clubs abroad, like Napoli and Roma, but it’s early days.”
What has been said?
Hudson-Odoi hasn’t addressed the talk about his future but he has spoken about head coach Nuno agreeing a new contract. The Portuguese has committed his future to the club until 2028, and the news seems to have gone down well with his squad.
Discussing Nuno’s announcement, Hudson-Odoi pointed to a sense of excitement about the Reds’ future. Many fans have taken his words as a positive sign he is set to follow his manager’s lead and stay put.
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“It’s amazing,” Hudson-Odoi said about Nuno’s contract in an interview with Sky Sports. “He’s done amazing work since he came in. Everyone’s really happy.
“The players will be really happy, the staff will be really happy, and the fans. Obviously we’re delighted that he’s signed a new contract and hopefully it will lead to many more successful things.
“He’s a great manager, a great person to speak to as well. He has a good conversation with everybody.
“He makes everyone feel good, he makes sure you’re ready for the game and ready for training. He gets the best out of you. I’m happy for him.
“Pre-season, we’re back on July 7, so I need to start getting the work in fully now! I’ll get back ready.”
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