Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper broke the heart of Brazilian wonderkid Brenner in 2017 but he now has a real chance of signing him this summer. The player was linked with a late move to Forest as the transfer deadline edged ever closer.
The FC Cincinnati star was a wanted man during the January transfer window. His 18 goals in the MLS last season saw him on the radar of many clubs including Forest who wanted a striker.
Brenner signed for Cincinnati from Sao Paulo in 2021. He’s become the main source of goals in the team since his arrival and a move to Europe is something which he seems destined for.
Forest were desperate for another forward during the transfer window. They did sign Chris Wood on loan from Newcastle, but an injection of pace led them to target Brenner.
The player was actually apparently keen on signing for the club too. He was training on his own on deadline day, with the club’s coaching staff giving the green light for him to move.
Still, a deal couldn’t be struck. The Reds and FC Cincinnati remained some distance apart in their valuation of the player and alternative options were targeted instead by Cooper.
Cooper broke Brenner’s heart but he could sign him in the summer
Brenner first came across Cooper in 2017 at the Under-17 World Cup in India. England met Brazil in the semi-final with the Young Lions winning 3-1 after a Rhian Brewster hat-trick.
The striker played in the game against England. He cut a forlorn figure on the field after Cooper had masterminded his team to a wonderful result over a nation heavily fancied for success.
Some might say that Cooper has now broken the heart of Brenner twice. This time, however, it wasn’t really the fault of the Forest head coach but more of FC Cincinnati who wouldn’t budge on the price.
Now, Cooper will have to make do with what he’s got. But, in the summer, Brenner could finally link up with Forest with Cincinnati likely to sell if they receive the offer they crave.
If he starts the next MLS season well, his price could soar. If Forest stay in the Premier League, however, they will go in search of another striker and that could lead Cooper to Brenner.