In an attempt to continue a growing trend at the City Ground, Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly monitoring a deal to sign yet another South American gem for Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest write to UEFA
In a ruthless mood as ever, Marinakis has wasted no time before attempting to take advantage of Crystal Palace’s UEFA troubles. The Eagles are at risk of being kicked out of European football despite qualifying for the Europa League last season, with John Textor’s involvement in both Palace and Lyon breaching UEFA’s multi-club ownership rule.
Whilst many have assumed that their European spot could go to Brighton & Hove Albion, who would move into the Europa Conference League, Nottingham Forest have seemingly spotted an opportunity of their own. The Midlands club have reportedly written UEFA in an attempt to take Crystal Palace’s Europa League place and move above the Europa Conference League as a result.
It’s not a move that will win many friends around the Premier League, but it is one that could have an impact on Forest financially and, therefore, in the summer transfer window.
With a place in the Europa League to offer, the Tricky Trees could turn their attention towards reported transfer targets such as Douglas Luiz. The Juventus midfielder has endured a nightmare first season in Turin and may now be on his way back to the Premier League after just one season away.
That said, the Brazilian may not be the only South American to complete a move to the City Ground this summer, with Marinakis now reportedly eyeing another talent.
Nottingham Forest monitoring Cepeda
As reported by Chilean outlet Prensa Futbol, Marinakis is now monitoring a deal to sign Lucas Cepeda from Colo-Colo for Nottingham Forest this summer. The Chile-born winger reportedly has a release clause worth just $5m (£4m), which could see those in the Midlands land a bargain deal for another South American talent.
It’s at the City Ground that Cepeda could follow in the footsteps of Murillo, Ramon Sosa, Carlos Miguel and others by swapping South America for the Premier League and Nottingham Forest. At just 22 years old, like those before him, the winger could realise his full potential at Nottingham Forest.
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It’s an impressive trend at the City Ground and one that Marinakis should be able to continue more than ever now that Nottingham Forest are in a position to offer European football.
Whether Cepeda is ready for the Premier League will be the big question, however. The winger only managed four goals and one assist last season following eight goals and four assists in the season prior. Given how talented the Forest squad is these days, there will also be questions as to whether Cepeda would earn the game time he needs in the Midlands.