Nottingham Forest confirmed the signature of Brice Samba on a four-year deal and revealed that the fee was undisclosed. The Athletic (h/t Inside Futbol) believe the 25-year-old cost Forest around £1.84m, rather than the £3.68m figure that was being quoted previously.
The Reds have been thrifty in the transfer market all summer, so it’s of little surprise that Samba was another player with a low asking price. The only shock is that he’s another goalkeeper signed, as the Reds have five first-team options currently on the books – Arijanet Muric, Costel Pantilimon, Luke Steele, Jordan Smith.
Pantilimon was first-choice next season and was expected to at least compete with Muric for a starting place in 2019/20, but he was left out of the matchday squad in Forest’s opening Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion and nearly left the club on transfer deadline day. Luke Steele has since left on loan. Sabri Lamouchi preferred Smith on the bench against West Brom too.
Samba may have a good chance of challenging Muric for the proverbial No.1 jersey after a debut to forget for the 20-year-old. He should at least make the matchday squad ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Leeds United.
