Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo could be the next player to leave the City Ground this summer. The Reds performer has only made one competitive outing for the club but could now be on his way out.
According to The Athletic, the centre-back is a wanted man. Vitesse are keen to take him to the Netherlands, whilst Cardiff and West Brom provide interest from the EFL.
Panzo signed for Forest in January 2022. He cost the club around £1 million and signed from Dijon after playing under Steve Cooper for the England under-17 team that won the World Cup.
His only appearance for the Reds came on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign. He started as the Reds drew 1-1 with Hull City to set up a play-off date with Sheffield United.
Panzo came on as a late substitute in the 5-0 defeat to Rennes last night. In truth, however, he’s only with the first-team squad as Felipe and Moussa Niakhate are both injured.
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At 22-years-old, Panzo is still seen as a player who could have a bright future. Last season, he performed well on loan at Coventry City, helping them reach the play-off final.
Furthermore, Mark Robins valued his input for the Sky Blues. He called him ‘outstanding’ last season and it’s perhaps surprising that they’ve not tried to re-sign him.
Forest defender Panzo could be the next to leave
The youngster does look set to leave Forest in the near future. However, if he was to depart right now, the Reds might be left a little bit short defensively.
Willy Boly missed last night’s friendly against Rennes. That means that three regulars in the Forest defensive unit are injured and that’s a big concern.
Panzo looks to have reached the point of no return at Forest though. He will surely be keen to continue playing regular football and the Reds need to free up room in their squad.
It will be interesting to see what sort of deal the Reds sanction. At 22, they might choose to let him leave on loan and then reassess the situation.
That would appear to be somewhat sensible. Panzo has a contract until 2025 so they’re not in any major rush to make an immediate decision on his long-term future.