Nottingham Forest are trying to sign a midfielder as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to bolster his ranks ahead of a congested fixture list.
Nottingham Forest will have to contend with a Thursday-to-Sunday schedule, so there is a pressing need to add squad depth to allow for rotation.
Forest are exploring a deal to sign Mads Bidstrup from RB Salzburg, and he recently came out and left the door open ajar for a move to the City Ground.
“I’m really happy here. I like the city and the club; I really feel at home. [I’m] focusing only on Salzburg. After that, there are three weeks until the end of the transfer window. We’ll see.”
Now, there is a fresh transfer rumour emerging and Forest have already tabled a bid.
Soungoutou Magassa of France.
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Soungoutou Magassa wants to join Nottingham Forest
Forest are in the market for a midfielder, and Juventus’ Douglas Luiz has been linked to the City Ground pretty much all summer.
However, it seems Nuno and his chiefs are focusing on other targets, as now Fabrizio Romano reports that a bid has gone in for AS Monaco youngster Soungoutou Magassa.
Forest have offered £11m, however, they will have to go up to £15.5m to strike a deal with the Ligue 1 outfit.
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🚨🌳 Nottingham Forest have sent €13m fixed fee plus add-ons as official bid for Soungoutou Magassa.
AS Monaco want €18m plus add-ons to accept and let the defender go.
Magassa, keen on #NFFC move with Premier League and European football — info following @Santi_J_FM. pic.twitter.com/nDRSi3faFv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 10, 2025
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Magassa is keen on joining the East Midlanders, so it seems there are real legs to this deal, especially considering the clubs aren’t too far apart in valuations.
Magassa plays just like Moises Caicedo
Magassa, who represents France at under-21 level, is a very combative midfielder and FBref data says he’s very similar to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.
The 21-year-old ranks in the top three per cent in Europe for tackles per 90 compared to his positional peers.
Magassa also sits in the top four per cent for interceptions and 11 per cent for blocks, so clearly he’s exceptional at breaking up the play.
#NFFC linked with #ASMonaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassa, a 21 year old who played for France in last summer's Olympics.
No player with more than 500 minutes in central midfield had a greater defensive work rate than Magassa – who also showed himself to be a great reader of the… pic.twitter.com/NdZ2Pns6Wa
— WT Analysis (@wt_analysis) August 10, 2025
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The data going forward is impressive, too, as he sits in the top 16 per cent for successful take-ons, evincing his terrific dribbling ability.