Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Monaco defender Ismail Jakobs this summer. The Reds are desperate for a new left-back and they could be close to a deal for their top target.
According to Fabrizio Romano, talks are now progressing between Forest and Jakobs over a move to the City Ground.
The Monaco player has been on the radar for a little while. Forest are keen to sign the 23-year-old who signed for the Ligue 1 outfit back in 2021 from Cologne.
Jakobs has been striving for a regular place since arriving at the club, making 80 appearances. Last season he featured 41 times in all competitions but only started nine league games.
The youngster plays as a left-back or left-sided wing-back. He’s built more like a central midfielder and isn’t afraid to get stuck into challenges when he needs to.
MORE FOREST STORIES
At this stage, it’s not clear how much the player will cost. Romano hasn’t disclosed that either, although the player does have a contract until 2026 with the Ligue 1 club.
Forest have Omar Richards and Harry Toffolo in their ranks at present. Toffolo faces a ban after breaking betting regulations; whilst Richards hasn’t played in over a year after two serious injuries.
Youngster Josh Powell is also at the club. He’s played at left-back in pre-season but it’s clear that he won’t be making appearances in the Premier League just yet at this stage of his development.
Forest in advanced talks to sign Jakobs
This would be an interesting one. The player certainly fits the profile of the type of player that Forest would like to sign in the future and Jakobs might welcome a move.
He would have some help settling in at the club. Moussa Niakhate and Cheikhou Kouyate are both international teammates and that might help him make his mind up.
The Reds were rocked in pre-season with the news that Renan Lodi wanted Champions League football. He moved to Marseille to hopefully achieve that dream, ending the links with Forest.
Jakobs looks like a strong performer. He’s at a similar age to Lodi and it looks clear that he would be more than capable of replacing the man who shone during his City Ground loan.