Nottingham Forest are thought to be close to the signing of Antalyaspor winger Paul Mukairu, according to Nexus Sport. The winger is close to completing a move to the City Ground and that provides a big boost to the squad.
Mukairu was on loan at Anderlecht last season. In Vincent Kompany’s team, he made 29 appearances, scoring four goals and claiming four assists.
Now, Antalyaspor are willing to let Mukairu head to the City Ground, with the report claims that an announcement will be made soon.
Interestingly, the winger has been a wanted man previously. Back in February, Tottenham were thought to have made a bid of £4.2 million for the winger. Roma and Bayer Leverkusen were also interested.
Those bids were knocked back by the Turkish club. Mukairu has three years left to run on his deal with Antalyaspor and it’s perhaps a surprise they’re willing to let him go.
The 21-year-old is left-footed but typically likes to operate on the right. Boss Chris Hughton likes his wingers to cut inside so that perhaps makes him an ideal signing for Forest.
Although an unknown quantity, Mukairu has experience playing men’s football in two European leagues. Forest are in desperate need of some quality and landing the winger might not be such a bad thing.
What can Forest expect from Mukairu?
Mukairu attempted the most dribbles per game of any other winger in the Belgian top-flight last season. He may be somewhat raw but he is very direct.
He loves to take players on and often finds himself winning plenty of free kicks. He’s also pretty quick and loves to use skill in order to go past defenders.
Of course, he would prove a relatively unknown quantity and the jury would have to remain out for a while. New CEO Dane Murphy picked players really well at Barnsley though and this could prove another masterclass.
Only time will tell whether Mukairu is up to the challenge of English football. Forest’s paper-thin squad needs addressing though and supporters would welcome a new addition right now.