Nottingham Forest are thought to be in the market to bring Benfica starlet David Tavares to the City Ground on loan for the 2020/21 campaign.
According to Portuguese news outlet Record, the Reds are keen to sign the midfielder ahead of the new campaign which starts in a couple of weeks.
So who is Tavares and what do Forest fans need to know about him? Here is a look at five facts about the talented youngster.
- Tavares is a midfielder – and a versatile one at that. He can operate in the middle of the park or as a No.10.
- The youngster has a monster release clause in his Benfica contract. According to Tuga Scout, he is valued at £59 million by the Portuguese giants.
- As of yet, Tavares hasn’t made an appearance in the league but he has made outings from the bench in the Champions League and in the Allianz Cup.
- Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of Tavares. After his Reds team faced Benfica B, the boss felt he stood out from the rest of his teammates (Tuga Scout).
- Forest fans might want to be wary regarding Tavares’ injury record. Despite his tender years, he has already fought back from a serious ACL injury in his knee.
(Photo; TF-Images/Getty Images)
What they say about him
Founder of Tuga Sport, Alex Goncalves has warned Forest supporters to be patient but has conceded there is talent in the player’s locker.
During a recent tweet in response to a Forest fan who was quizzing him on the potential of a move to the City Ground, Goncalves had this to say:
He’s not the finished article, has to refine his game, and injuries have stunted his development. But there’s a quality player in there, whether he can live up to his huge potential is another matter.
— Alex Goncalves 🇵🇹 (@Aljeeves) August 20, 2020
With that in mind, it would be a case of what and see when it comes to Tavares and Forest will hope he is more Joao Carvalho and less Diogo Goncalves.
Forest have been stung before with overseas recruits, although last season Yuri Ribeiro, Samba Sow and Brice Samba all came to the club and did a decent enough job.
(Photo; Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Verdict
Tavares would certainly sign for the Reds with a reputation of being a future star of the game but of course, the proof would be based on performances.
Forest have added proven Championship quality in Jack Colback, Tyler Blackett and Lyle Taylor and more look likely to follow.
The Reds won’t, however, completely discount the overseas market and Tavares could prove a decent addition.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Sabri Lamouchi deploys him as a No.10 or in central midfield if he does arrive on Trentside.
Forest looked void of creativity during last season and adding more of that ingredient isn’t likely to be deemed a bad thing by supporters.