Richie Laryea has been given the green light to start his Nottingham Forest career and has now begun training with his new teammates.
The Reds added the defender from Toronto FC earlier this month. He has been awaiting confirmation of his visa which is now come through.
Laryea looks like an exciting addition and he’s a timely signing.
Forest have issues at full-back. Max Lowe has missed the last two months through injury, meaning Jack Colback has been forced to deputise at left-back.
Likewise, if Djed Spence were to pick up an injury problem, Forest would be short on the right-hand side too.
Laryea, 27, has joined on a permanent transfer from the MLS. He was offered a deal to stay with the club that would have made him the highest-earning full-back in the division.
The player’s dream was to move to Europe though and Forest beat off other clubs for his signature.
It does seem perhaps unlikely that Laryea will be risked by Forest at the weekend when Derby County arrive on Trentside.
Laryea left Canada after a successful time at the club. He made 83 appearances, scoring nine goals and claiming 12 assists from the right side of the defence.
Options: Laryea news is a boost for Forest
Given a lack of options, Steve Cooper might opt to name Laryea on the bench for Saturday.
Colback has done well at left-back and perhaps he will continue in a winning side named by the Forest head coach at the weekend.
It would do Laryea the world of good to acclimatise to his surroundings. If Forest were to get a good lead on the Rams, it might even be ideal to get him on the pitch.
The rapid full-back likes like a useful addition to the Forest ranks. Supporters will now be intrigued to know when they might see him in action.
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