Nottingham Forest announced the loan signing of Molla Wague from Udinese earlier today.
The 27-year-old defender joins both Pelé and Léo Bonatini who arrived at the City Ground on Deadline Day.
Although the signing of Bonatini is arguably the most exciting, Wague’s arrival could ultimately prove to be the most important. Martin O’Neill has been desperately short of defensive options of late.
The Mali international will help fill the void left by a defensive injury crisis and his signing was confirmed on the club’s official website this morning.
Michael Dawson, Michael Hefele and Tobias Figueiredo all remain out through injury. This left Yohan Benalouane as the only other recognised centre-back available.
There’s no doubt that Wague is a much-needed addition. However, he’s capable of doing more than just making up the numbers.
(Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
He has experience of playing in the Premier League with both Leicester City and Watford. His most recent spell came with the Hornets in the 2017/18 campaign as he made six appearances.
In addition to this, he has also played in Serie A with Udinese and also featured in the 2013 African Cup of Nations for Mali. However, it’s been a frustrating campaign so far for Wague as he’s only managed three appearances for Udinese.
The 6ft 3in defender is unsurprisingly strong in the air, and will be looking to get some valuable game time under his belt at the City Ground. He will certainly add physicality at the back which the Reds have missed since Michael Dawson was sidelined through injury.
Following the confirmation of Wague’s arrival, Seat Pitch rounded up exactly what Forest supporters had to say about their latest recruit.
‘Another Lam or Perquis situation’
#nffc it looks like we finally have a manager who as recognised we have a soft centre because the last 3 certainly haven’t! Even if these guys are old fashioned CH I am sure there will be fewer goals against.
— BIG O (@AlanOli43302595) February 1, 2019
This will appease #NFFC fans. The business yesterday was a 6/10 but they were crying out for a defender. One has now arrived. Good CV behind him, Forest need him to hit the ground running. https://t.co/rDCKQBGtxy
— Michael Redford (@mredford17) February 1, 2019
#nffc can actually field a genuine back 4 tomorrow 😄
— ᎶᎪᏃ △⃒⃘ (@NffcgazTaylor) February 1, 2019
Hope I am very wrong but the signing smell a bit like Philippe Mon signings, unknown talent from abroad. They didn’t work very well either. AK brought solid players in that are still here.
Like I say hope I am wrong #nffc #forest— jordan leeming 16 (@jordanleeming) February 1, 2019
We may not have got a winger or a left back but we strengthen our centre backs which put Robinson back in to left back, and gives arvin a chance on the wing, we got a striker what we needed as murphy getting on abit, let’s just back the team what we’ve got and push forward #nffc
— Dan (@danbright88) February 1, 2019
Molla Wagué is played shockingly little football for someone of 27 years old…
Another Lam or Perquis situation? #NFFC
— Jax (@CarnorJax87) February 1, 2019
@mollawague welcome to our great club #nffc 👍
— Priceless (@FifaStylist) February 1, 2019