Luca Netz could make his Premier League debut for Nottingham Forest against Leeds United at Elland Road on Friday with Neco Williams suspended
Sarah Clapson and James Smailes
15:08, 05 Feb 2026
New Nottingham Forest signings Lorenzo Lucca (left) and Luca Netz in training
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New Nottingham Forest signings Lorenzo Lucca (left) and Luca Netz in training(Image: Getty)
Deadline day acquisition Luca Netz believes his extensive Bundesliga background will serve him well as he gears up to prove himself in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
Manager Sean Dyche has suggested the Reds were thinking long-term when they set their sights on the left-back from Borussia Mönchengladbach. The 22 year old Netz completed his move from Germany on the closing day of the January transfer window, putting pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal at the City Ground.
Despite his relatively young age, he boasts considerable playing time, having turned out more than 120 times for his previous club. However, Netz, who made his Bundesliga bow in 2021, recognises that English football will likely pose an entirely different test.
"I have experience at a high level," the former Germany youth international revealed to Forest's YouTube channel. "But the Premier League is the best league in the world, so it is going to be a little bit different. Hopefully having played in the Bundesliga helps a little bit.
"I'm a very dynamic player going forward. I hope I can bring my skills to the team and help them so that we can have a lot of great moments."
Netz might find himself thrust straight into action for Forest. The away side will be missing regular left-back Neco Williams when they face Leeds United at Elland Road on Friday (8pm kick-off).
The Welshman will be suspended for this week's fixture following his red card in last Sunday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Dyche is short of natural full-back replacements, other than Netz, and must weigh up whether to go with the newcomer or call on one of his centre-backs to play out of position.
Netz is hoping he may be the one to get the nod. If he does, Leeds boss Daniel Farke will know all about him from his time in charge of Gladbach.
"It's against my old coach, so I'm really looking forward to it," the defender said. "I'm very excited to see all the Forest fans. I hope I can make them happy and bring them joy."
The German's arrival at the City Ground may have materialised late in the window, but he didn't require much convincing to accept the Reds' proposal. He was set to become a free agent in the summer so Forest were able to secure him for a fee in the region of £2 million.
"It's special. I'm feeling very good," Netz said of joining the club. "I'm happy to be here and am excited to get started.
"It's an amazing stadium. I was a little bit aware of the history (of the club) because I'd done my research. It's a traditional club with a lot of history.
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"When they called, there wasn't much thinking. I just said I wanted to do it. I can't wait to get started."