Nottingham Forest can repeat Nikola Milenkovic deal by signing star who stifled Cristiano Ronaldo

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Nottingham Forest hit the jackpot last summer when they prised Nikola Milenkovic away from Fiorentina for a sum of just £12 million.

Milenkovic was awarded the Player of the Year award last summer, making it the second season in succession that a centre-back has lifted the title, with Murillo taking home the trophy during the year previously.

The Serbian warrior has been in fine form for the Reds during 2024/25 and has completely made a mockery of his price tag, with Fiorentina likely to be kicking themselves at the fee they received for his services.

Forest are set to land Igor Jesus after qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, and more new players will be sought once the Brazilian talisman comes to the club after the Club World Cup.

• READ MORE: Agent of Igor Jesus makes claim about Nottingham Forest move

Nottingham Forest can repeat Nikola Milenkovic signing this summer

The Reds are being linked with new players on a daily basis and the challenge this summer is to once again add quality over quantity to the squad ahead of a first European campaign in 30 years.

Forest are keen to sign Jaka Bijol, and if he does get added to the ranks this summer, it could see the football club repeat their transfer masterclass that was made with Milenkovic.

Much like the Forest performer, Bijol is currently operating in Serie A with Udinese, and it would appear that he will be the sort of signing that once again would prove affordable for the club to make.

The 26-year-old has made 95 appearances for Udinese and this summer could be the year when he joins a bigger club, with Roma and Juventus also eyeing a move for the Slovenia international.

What Alan Shearer said about Jaka Bijol

Last summer at Euro 2024, Slovenia set up a knockout match against Portugal after coming through a group that actually featured England.

Bijol was called ‘outstanding’ by Shearer as he managed to stifle Ronaldo and Co as Slovenia forced Portugal into a penalty shootout before succumbing to the team on spot-kicks.

Forest could welcome another central defender this summer, with Milenkovic, Murillo and Brazilian defender Morato featuring at central defence for most of the season.

With Willy Boly to depart at the end of his contract, however, an opening will be evident for a central defender, and Forest can seriously perform a repeat of their Milenkovic masterclass by landing Bijol.