Nottingham Forest appear to have pulled off a transfer market masterstroke with the signing of goalkeeper Brice Samba.
The French goalkeeper was once again calm and composed during Friday’s 3-2 win over Stoke City and the back four certainly appreciate his commanding presence between the posts.
Samba looks to be worth every single penny of the £1.78 million that Forest paid to Caen to secure his services. Indeed, on current form, he could become a real cult hero with the Forest faithful.
Things could have been different though.
A report from the Daily Mail claims that Forest tried to land Rangers goalkeeper Wesley Foderingham during the last year.
A bid of £1.5 million was reportedly rejected by the Scottish Premiership outfit, with West Brom also interested.
The 28-year-old is playing second fiddle to Allan McGregor at Ibrox and is a free transfer target for MLS outfit DC United.
Man mountain Foderingham has played 141 games for the SPL giants, keeping 71 clean sheets during his four-year stint at the club.
It’s perhaps ironic that given the choice of the Rangers stopper or Samba in the summer, some Forest fans might have taken Foderingham.
Samba was unheard of and one of the main criticism from supporters about Forest’s summer recruits was the clear lack of renowned performers in English football.
__VIDEO__
Foderingham would have ticked that box, although just seven games into his Forest career Samba is already adored by supporters.
The Reds’ pursuit of goalkeepers was interesting during the summer.
Rejection a blessing
Costel Pantilimon was the club’s number one last season and kept 15 clean sheets between the posts.
Aro Muric joined on loan from Manchester City and it was anticipated that he would compete with the Romanian.
When it became apparent that another was wanted, there was some discontent from Forest supporters who felt the club was well-stocked.
The Reds also have Jordan Smith in their ranks; with Luke Steele out on loan at Millwall until January.
Forest’s recruitment in the goalkeeping department now looks savvy given the impact of Samba.
Rangers rejecting Forest’s £1.5 million advances for Foderingham looks like a blessing in disguise.
At 24 Samba has lots of time to develop and he could become a real hero at the City Ground if he continues his impressive start.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
