It will be Nottingham Forest’s hope that the wait was worthwhile.
Nikola Milenkovic will finally play in English football after years of speculation—barely a season passes without the City Ground newcomer being connected to at least one Premier League team—and a £12 million agreement.
Midway through July, Nottingham Forest got their man.
The two-time European champions have long admired Milenkovic, according to chief football officer Ross Wilson, who told BBC Sport that Forest was “excited” to sign the 6′ 5in center-half, who had established himself as a mainstay for both Fiorentina and the Serbian national side.
But why did Nottingham Forest find themselves with a somewhat free route in their pursuit of Milenkovic this summer, given his past connections to Manchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur? A prospective £14 million deal to West Ham also fell through back in 2021.
One man who has closely followed the former giant of Partizan Belgrade claims that the explanation could be that Milenkovic’s progress has stagnated in recent seasons.
Nottingham Forest signs Nikola Milenkovic, an ex-violin star from Fiorentina.
Speaking to Radio Bruno, Lorenzo Amoruso believes that Fiorentina’s opportunity to profit from a player who hasn’t fully lived up to the comparisons with Man United great Nemanja Vidic is now.
Amoruso, who played for two years at Fiorentina in the 1990s before stints at Rangers and Blackburn Rovers, says, “The Milenkovic deal was the right one for me.” “Because he was earning a very high salary at Fiorentina even in terms of his salary.”
“Milenkovic had halted throughout the previous three or four years. He wasn’t exhibiting any growth. The moment arrived to sell him.
“On paper, a new defender was traded for an old one.”
Fiorentina has already acquired Marin Pongracic, a former center defender for Borussia Dortmund, to replace Milenkovic. The Croatian, who was born in Germany, comes from Lecce, a Serie A opponent.
Despite being three inches shorter than Carlos Miguel, the new Forest goalkeeper, Milenkovic will be among the tallest players in the Premier League the following season. At the center of Nuno Espirito Santo’s defense, the 26-year-old and the outstanding Murillo might create a new dynamic relationship.
“We are thrilled to have Nikola join Nottingham Forest,” said Wilson, the former head of Rangers. “I am aware of his enthusiasm for joining the club, and he has played a significant role in our squad planning this summer.”
“We have long appreciated his accomplishments in Serie A and European competitions for Fiorentina, as well as with the Serbian national team.
“We are thrilled he will join Nottingham Forest and contribute his skills and experience.”
Forest in negotiations to sign Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa
HITC is aware that Nottingham Forest is shifting their attention to wingers after signing Miguel, Milenkovic, and former Newcastle prospect Elliot Anderson.
Regarding Ramon Sosa, discussions are still ongoing with the Argentine group Tallares. The forward from Paraguay, whose representative recently said Everton and Chelsea are interested, may cost Forest £12 million.
Jota Silva, a Portugal international, is also getting closer to a fantastic £6 million agreement with the City Ground team. With 15 goals in the previous season for Vitoria de Guimaraes, the so-called “Iberian Jack Grealish” came dangerously close to earning a spot in Roberto Martinez’s Euro 2024 squad.
Jota’s exit was virtually confirmed by Vitoria coach Rui Borges on Wednesday, according to O Jogo.
Borges remarked, “Jota is a different player, special to the team and the fans.” However, we must learn to accept the possibility of his departure.
“I’m glad for him. Given everything that has occurred to him, he deserves it.
