Leo Bonatini has admitted he “would like to stay” at Nottingham Forest past the summer. The 24-year-old joined Forest on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in January after struggling for playing time this season – 128 minutes of Premier League football under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Since joining Forest five weeks ago, Bonatini has already amassed 99 minutes of Championship football and says he’s enjoying his time at the City Ground so much that he would consider sticking around after his loan contract expires.
When asked if he would like to stay at Forest past the summer, Bonatini said to Nottinghamshire Live: “Yes, of course. It is a really good team and they have very good conditions here.
“Even if we don’t achieve the play-offs and we are staying in the Championship next season, I would like to stay because I have found it really good. But, of course, I know that it is not just about me; I have a contract with Wolves. But I am enjoying being here.
Bonatini has stiff competition from Lewis Grabban and Daryl Murphy for a starting place, but Martin O’Neill has given the Brazilian striker opportunities from the bench to prove his worth against Derby County (February 25) and Stoke City (March 2).
With the centre-forward getting picked ahead of Karim Ansarifard in the matchday squad, it’s clear his hard work in training and willingness to play for the u23s has been rewarded. Bonatini hasn’t been left of the 18 in any game since joining from Wolves. He’ll be hoping to make another start soon.
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