Nottingham Forest are confident that Nicolo Savona will prove to be a bargain addition to the City Ground squad and there is potential for him to eventually follow in Real Madrid star Dean Huijsen's footsteps by being sold for a significant profit, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was not afraid to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, with Omari Hutchinson becoming the most expensive acquisition in the Tricky Trees' entire history when he sealed a switch worth £37.5million from Championship outfit Ipswich Town last month.
Although the England under-21 international and fellow recruit Oleksandr Zinchenko have been high-profile omissions from Nottingham Forest's squad for the league phase of the Europa League, Savona was included and is on course to be handed plenty of game time following his arrival.
Tricky Trees Confident Savona is Set to Shine
Nicolo Savona in action for Juventus
Nottingham Forest think they have found the next Huijsen after buying Savona, according to GMS sources, as there is optimism that they will have the opportunity to sell him for a considerable mark-up after successfully convincing Juventus to sanction a deal worth in the region of £13million in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old right-back, who has been described as having 'great football intelligence' by Bianconeri boss Igor Tudor, will be vying to make his Tricky Trees debut against Arsenal on September 13 after he did not join in time to be included in the matchday squad for the defeat to West Ham United last weekend.
GMS sources have been informed that Nottingham Forest are delighted with the capture of Savona, who made 40 appearances in all competitions last term, and influential figures behind the scenes are keen for him to adjust to the Premier League as quickly as former Juventus central defender Huijsen.
Nicolo Savona's statistics for Juventus during the 2024/25 campaign
The Spain international joined Real Madrid for £50million in May, less than 12 months after he cost Bournemouth just £12.6million, and the Tricky Trees are hopeful that their recruit will follow a similar trajectory after swapping life at the Allianz Stadium for a new challenge at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest prioritised landing Savona as they were looking at full-back assets on the market, GMS sources have learned, and there is confidence that his versatility means that he will also be comfortable providing cover in other positions if required over the course of the season.
Savona Could Secure Premier League Interest
Nicolo Savona being introduced to the Nottingham Forest supporters
GMS sources have been told that there is a serious possibility of Nottingham Forest facing an early battle to hold onto Savona as Manchester City have refused to rule out reigniting their pursuit after they seriously considered purchasing him before their domestic counterparts pounced.
Although the Tricky Trees will not be under pressure to sell the Italian in the forthcoming transfer windows, thanks to convincing him to sign a five-year contract which allows him to pocket up to £60,000-per-week when bonuses are triggered, Sky Blues boss Pep Guardiola is known to be a firm admirer.
It would not be a significant surprise if Manchester City attempt to lure Savona away from Nottingham Forest in the coming years, GMS sources understand, but his current employers are adamant that they would be on course to make a sizeable profit if he lives up to expectations at the City Ground.
GMS sources recently revealed that Jota Silva missed out on a deadline day move to Portuguese heavyweights Sporting by a matter of seconds and is now looking to make a switch to Saudi Arabia or Turkey as he is insisting that staying on the Tricky Trees' books is not an option.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 04/09/2025
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