Nottingham Forest are still clearing space in Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad, with one fringe player actually turning down the chance to remain in the Premier League.
Other than Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle United, Forest’s outgoing deals have all made sense in terms of losing players who had a minimal role in Nuno’s squad.
Forest fans were disappointed to lose Danilo to Botafogo but he didn’t look to be favoured by Espírito Santo. The same can be said for Ramon Sosa’s transfer to Palmeiras after only a handful of starts for the Reds.
Another squad option looks to be edging closer to a move away from Forest and English football, rejecting a Premier League rival in the process.
Nottingham Forest winger Jota Silva
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jota Silva’s Portugal move edges closer after Premier League snub
After weeks of rumoured interest, Sporting are confident of securing Jota Silva in what would be a return to Portuguese football for the winger, after five starts in the league last season.
Jota hasn’t impressed in pre-season despite featuring heavily, especially before the arrival of Dan Ndoye when the 26-year-old was the only option out on the right.
The exit makes sense, then, and according to Portuguese outlet Record, Jota is incredibly keen on a return to his homeland over another chance in the Premier League.
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Record’s report claimed that Jota is prioritising a move to Sporting over the advances of recently promoted Leeds United, citing a belief that he’ll have a more important role with the Portuguese champions than in England.
A move to Sporting will also see Jota reunite with Rui Borges, who was the newly appointed Vitoria Guimaraes boss when the winger moved to Forest.
It seems, then, that Jota is keen to move on from his chapter in English football as soon as possible, but his emotions were clear on Tuesday evening in what could be his final appearance for Forest.
Jota Silva appears to wave goodbye to Nottingham Forest fans
Forest fans have never been quite sure about Jota, with his energy always admirable but the quality to go with it not consistently on show.
On the club’s side, though, Jota’s attitude has always impressed the Forest hierarchy, with this on show as he exited the pitch in the friendly against Fiorentina on Tuesday.
With Jota on the way out, the Forest squad once again looks light in the wide areas, but Espírito Santo’s push to sign Adama Traoré should replace the Portuguese winger adequately.