'I can't lie': Champions League goalkeeper admits he wanted to sign for Nottingham Forest last summer

A goalkeeper who played Premier League football last season has admitted he wanted to sign for Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023.

The Reds were pretty calamitous when it came to trying to sign a goalkeeper last summer.

Dean Henderson was a long-term target but Forest held reservations over the thigh injury he sustained during his City Ground loan.

Instead, they chose to make a last-minute move to sign Matt Turner on the eve of the new season, with Odysseas Vlachodimos joining on deadline day.

With both goalkeepers struggling for from Forest signedMatz Sels in January and he became Nuno Espirito Santo’s number one stopper.

Things could have been so much different for Forest.

One player who they did try to sign has admitted he wanted to join the club – but his club couldn’t agree on a deal with Forest for his signature.

Matheus wanted Nottingham Forest move last summer

Forest left no stone unturned in their quest to land a new custodian last summer, with Braga goalkeeper Matheus on their list of targets.

The club had a £4 million bid for Matheus turned down and a number of clubs were keen on his services.

Braga didn’t want to cash in for that price though and ultimately, Forest had to move on to other targets.

Now, the 32-year-old goalkeeper has admitted that Forest was the one offer that he did have that moved his head somewhat.

He toldO Jogo: “If a good opportunity arises for me and for Braga, I won’t closer doors.

“There was interest from Nottingham (Forest) last season, but the chairman thought it would be better if I stayed.

“There were a few that never got going. Nottingham, Manchester United, Nice and some from Brazil. None were finalised.

“I have to confess that Nottingham moved me a little, I can’t lie. Sportingly and financially, it was a huge leap.”

Given that the club parted with £5 million to sign Sels in January it might have made more sense to give Braga a bit more in the summer.

Matheus played six Champions League games last season after Braga came through the qualifiers.

In total, he’s made 341 appearances for the Portuguese outfit, keeping 107 clean sheets for the club.

The player could be on the radar of several clubs once again this summer but it’s unlikely that Forest will remain keen.

Corinthians goalkeeper Carlos Miguel looks set to sign for Forest for a £3.4 million fee and ultimately at 25 he’s a younger option than Matheus.

Forest have moved on from the Braga stopper and now it remains to be seen if he will get his big move elsewhere.