NottinghamshireLive has the latest Nottingham Forest news, including Sevilla losing hope of bringing Gonzalo Montiel to the City Ground.
Gonzalo Montiel’s chances of a permanent move to Nottingham Forest appear to be on the line, as certain circumstances must be completed to immediately trigger an obligation to acquire the defender.
The Argentina international joined the City Ground from La Liga side Sevilla in the summer after the two teams agreed on a loan with a buyout clause. However, for the deal to be permanent, Montiel would need to play 50% of Forest’s games this season.
He has played 15 games in all competitions, including nine in the Premier League. Sevilla were rumored to be considering recalling Montiel in January as he battled for game time, but he remained at the club.
According to Estadio Deportivo, the deal between the two teams includes a €11 million (£9.4 million) obligation to buy if certain requirements are reached, including appearances, but considering Montiel’s injury history, Forest may not be obligated to sign him permanently at the end of this season.
The situation is described as a “race against the clock” at Estadio Deportivo, with Forest still to announce how long he will be out. With 11 games left in the league, Montiel will need to play in eight of them for the clause to become an obligation.
Montiel failed to establish a regular position in the Reds side, having been left out of seven matches by former boss Steve Cooper between October and December of last year. He then returned to action on Boxing Day, scoring a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Last month, he was forced to leave the FA Cup replay triumph over Bristol City due to a hamstring injury. Boss Nuno Espirito Santo announced that he would undergo a scan, but his return date is now unknown.
