A goalkeeper who played in the Premier League last season has confessed he wants to join Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023.
Last summer, the Reds failed miserably in their attempt to sign a goalkeeper.
Dean Henderson was a long-term target, but Forest were concerned about the thigh injury he sustained during his City Ground loan.
Instead, they made a last-minute effort to sign Matt Turner on the eve of the new season, and Odysseas Vlachodimos arrived on deadline day.
With both goalkeepers underperforming, Forest signed Matz Sels in January, who became Nuno Espirito Santo’s number one stopper.
Forest’s situation may have turned out quite differently.
One player they tried to sign has stated he wanted to join the club, but his club was unable to reach an agreement with Forest.
Matheus wanted Nottingham Forest to transfer last summer.
Last summer, Forest looked around for a new goalkeeper, with Braga’s Matheus on their list of targets.
The club’s £4 million deal for Matheus was turned down, and several clubs were interested in his talents.
Braga did not willing to cash in at that price, therefore Forest had to move on to other targets.
Now, the 32-year-old goalkeeper admits that Forest was the only offer he received that sparked his interest.
He told O Jogo, “If a good chance arrives for me and Braga, I will not close the doors.
“There was interest from Nottingham Forest last season, but the chairman decided it was best if I stayed.
“A few failed to get started. Nottingham, Manchester United, Nice, and a few from Brazil. None were finalised.
“I can’t deny that Nottingham moved me a little. It was a significant step forward both athletically and monetarily.
Forest could have paid Braga more in the summer after spending £5 million on Sels in January.
Matheus appeared in six Champions League games last season as Braga advanced through the qualifying rounds.
In total, he has 341 appearances for the Portuguese club, maintaining 107 clean sheets.
The player could be on the radar of several clubs again in summer, although Forest is unlikely to remain interested.
Carlos Miguel, Corinthians’ goalkeeper, is expected to join Forest for a cost of £3.4 million, and at 25 years old, he is a younger choice than Matheus.
Forest have moved on from the Braga stopper, and it remains to be seen whether he will make a huge transfer elsewhere.
