Richie Laryea is officially a Nottingham Forest player once again but Toronto FC president Bill Manning wants him back. The 28-year-old is now in limbo somewhat after his loan deal expired.
The defender signed for the Reds from the MLS franchise in January 2022. With the Reds chasing promotion to the Premier League, they eyed the Canada international as a backup to Djed Spence.
Given the right-back’s form for Forest over that period, Laryea found first-team football hard to come by on Trentside. He started just one game in a dead rubber against Hull City and made five outings in total.
Forest’s promotion to the Premier League was probably the worst scenario for Laryea. He’d not yet proved himself in England and although Spence headed to Tottenham; Forest signed Neco Williams and Serge Aurier.
It appears that Laryea is wanted back at Toronto, with Manning stating that he’s going to be discussing things with Forest. He told reporter Luke Wileman: “We’re working on it. Laryea called me last night, we’re in active discussion. It’s not totally up to us now, he’s with another club but we’re trying to work it through.”
MORE FOREST STORIES
Laryea has spent the first half of the MLS campaign on loan back with Toronto. During the 2023 season, he’s scored twice and claimed five assists from his 19 appearances for the club.
Laryea officially a Forest player again but Toronto want him back
This is a deal that makes a lot of sense for all parties. Laryea isn’t likely to get a chance at Forest and given that he’s now 28, he will want to continue playing regular football somewhere.
Laryea did have some interest from English clubs last summer. His style of play suggests he could make an impact in the Championship and it remains to be seen if that sort of opportunity presents itself.
The 39-cap player will want to ensure that he stays as a regular in the Canada team. In order to do that he must be playing regularly and he knows that he will do that with Toronto.
Laryea’s days at Forest look to be numbered. He won’t get in ahead of Williams or Aurier next season and a permanent deal back to Toronto FC would be the most plausible outcome for the player.