Nottingham Forest signed Ibrahim Sangare from PSV for a club-record transfer fee last summer – and his first season didn’t quite go according to plan.
It was a bittersweet situation on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2023.
Forest sold the crown jewels in Brennan Johnson and it was anticipated that his sale would be enough to meet the PSR criteria.
The Reds followed up that £47.5 million sale by landing Sangare from PSV for a record transfer and everything seemed positive once more.
However, Forest didn’t meet the PSR criteria and were deducted four points, whilst Sangare flattered to deceive.
He was playing out of position under Steve Cooper and by the time Nuno Espirito Santo came in he was down the pecking order after returning from AFCON with an illness.
Now, it would appear as though the Sangare redemption arc is going to light up Trent Bridge this season.
Forest took on Olympiacos tonight in Athens and fans were in no doubt as to what they think Sangare can achieve this season.
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Ibrahim Sangare stars for Nottingham Forest vs Olympiacos
This was always going to be a good test for Forest playing a team who just two over two months ago became the first Greek side to life a European trophy.
The Evangelos Marinakis-owned club won the UEFA Conference League but Forest went in 2-1 to the good at half-time – with Sangare coming in for some praise.
Another supporter feels as though he looks completely revived: “Sangare looking a completely different player this pre-season. Massive boost if he continues like this.”
One fan has shared his excitement to watch what feels like a new signing, saying: “Sangare looks a different player, can’t wait to watch him this season.”
Sangare can finally prove he’s worth more than the £30 million transfer fee
Of course, it’s only pre-season and there are a number of things that Sangare will need to do in order to prove himself to the fan base.
The 26-year-old has to start performing well in the Premier League and from his midfield role he needs to be dictating the tempo and breaking things up.
Sangare has years of experience and the criticism from last season won’t phase him one bit – in fact, he will probably say himself that he had an underwhelming campaign last time out.
It’s great that plenty of fans appear willing to give him another chance to prove just how good he can be in the Premier League.
In a Nuno Espirito Santo system, Sanagre could truly thrive and the number six role might just be his to lose going into the new campaign.
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