Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move to re-sign Max Lowe from Sheffield United this summer. Last night, he came off the bench for 36 minutes, as Sheffield United lost 1-0 to Watford in the Championship.
Forest had Lowe on loan last season. He broke down with the same groin injury twice and made just 20 appearances for the club; with his final outing coming during the play-off final back in May against Huddersfield.
Steve Cooper was keen to get all of his loan players from last season on board for 2022/23. So far, he’s not managed to secure any of them and other transfer targets have come to the club instead.
Ultimately, Lowe has been priced out of a move to Forest. Despite his troubles last season, Paul Heckingbottom said earlier this summer that the player wouldn’t be going anywhere for less than £5 million.
That price seems absurd. He’s hardly played for the Blades and last night he highlighted exactly why Forest were wise not to be held at ransom and were spot on to walk away.
When he was given the nod to go on at left wing-back for over half an hour. He must have been chuffed. It was a proper chance to showcase his talent and he blew it.
Who Scored shows that he completed just 46.2% of his passes and failed to make a single pass as Ismaila Sarr had a field day up against him.
Lowe managed just 20 touches of the ball and this performance won’t have gone down well in the eyes of Heckingbottom.
Forest linked with Lowe but Reds right to walk away
The manager appears determined to give him a chance this season but he will have to improve on this cameo if he’s to remain in contention.
Asking for £5 million is a joke. Okay, Lowe helped Forest to promotion but ultimately, the 25-year-old spent more time on the treatment table than he did on the pitch.
Forest have moved on. They’ve added Harry Toffolo for £2 million and Omar Richards for £8.5 million from Bayern Munich, although the latter is injured at present.
Lowe is a steady Championship player. His groin is a cause for concern though and there is also no indication that he’s got what it takes to be a Premier League player.
His performance last night wouldn’t have left Forest supporters pining for his return. As a result, the club were wise to pursue other targets.