Steve Cooper has said that he won’t be letting Brandon Aguilera leave Nottingham Forest on loan this summer. The Reds player was tipped for a temporary move away from the club but now he’ll remain at the City Ground.
Aguilera has been part of the senior squad throughout the pre-season programme. He gained some important time on the pitch and now a decision has been made by the head coach.
On Monday, Aguilera starred as the Reds B-Team drew 2-2 with Middlesbrough. He was impressive throughout the contest, setting up Forest’s first goal and almost scoring the winner with a free-kick.
Cooper is excited with his progress and has now been discussing what will happen with Aguilera during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “We’re really happy with Brandon. He will stay with us, for sure – certainly until January.
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“He’s one we want in our programme, who we can develop. Who knows where he will play his football, whether that’s with the under-21s or not?
“It’s important young players play. It’s important they get starts and minutes and all the things matches give you.
“But we’ve been really impressed with him, to be honest. His level and attitude. He’s not from round the corner, is he? He’s come over here and for him to settle, he’s got a maturity about him.”
Cooper makes big call on the future of Forest gem Aguilera
This move will likely excite supporters and it looks like the right one. The Reds will play lots of football at academy level this year and Aguilera should get plenty of game time.
Furthermore, it actually gives Cooper some options going forward too. Aguilera won’t need to be registered in the 25-man squad due to his age so that will help.
Forest are also putting an under-21 team in the Papa John’s Trophy this year. The Reds take on Harrogate, Carlisle and Accrington, representing three more games he could feature in.
Aguilera looks like a talented performer. He can play in a number of positions on the pitch and again that level of versatility shouldn’t be underestimated.
Cooper has announced this decision on the Forest gem in his latest press conference and it has to be said that it looks like a good one.