Lewis O’Brien lets his true feelings about Nottingham Forest slip in first Wrexham interview

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Lewis O’Brien has finally secured a permanent move away from Nottingham Forest, signing for Hollywood-backed Wrexham in the Championship.

O’Brien has been involved in the Forest squad for both of the opening pre-season games so far, but it’s been clear all summer that his future was away from the City Ground.

Remarkably, O’Brien was linked with a move to Valencia in La Liga, while a host of EFL clubs were plotting moves to secure the 26-year-old who spent time at Swansea City last season.

Once Wrexham made a bid for O’Brien, though, he wasn’t going to go anywhere else and speaking in his first interview with the Welsh side, the midfielder made his feelings about his turbulent time at Forest clear.

Lewis O’Brien hints at Nottingham Forest feelings in interview

At the end of last season, it seemed as if O’Brien wanted to stay at Swansea, but a move never transpired, so a switch to Welsh rivals Wrexham became his most attractive option.

The permanent move finally puts an end to his spell of four consecutive loans away from the City Ground, and from his interview on Wrexham’s website, this is clearly a relief.

He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s been a long time coming, but to finally be here feels great.

“The last couple of years has been a bit of a whirlwind for me and my family, but to sign somewhere I can call home is a great feeling.

Truthfully, it’s not surprising if O’Brien never quite felt that Forest was his “home”, given that after making 17 appearances for the club when he signed in 2022, he was ousted from the Forest squad without ever making a return.

His lack of success and opportunities at the club will have shaken his confidence, especially when considering how excited he was about the move back in July 2022.

Lewis O’Brien was excited about his Nottingham Forest move

O’Brien was earning praise at Forest in the opening weeks of the 2022/23 Premier League season, before Steve Cooper dropped the midfielder from the squad in October and never seemed to trust him to re-earn his chance.

This must’ve been a difficult period for O’Brien, who was evidently delighted to sign for the club when he spoke on the Forest website after signing from Huddersfield.

He said: “I’m delighted to join Nottingham Forest at such an exciting time. Having played at The City Ground last season I’ve experienced the atmosphere and when the opportunity came about to join Forest, it was a no-brainer for me.

“You only have to look at Forest’s turnaround last season to see that something special is happening here at the moment, and after my first conversation with Steve Cooper it was obvious we both share the same vision and I’m buzzing to be part of the project.”

Wrexham will undoubtedly be aiming for the Premier League in the coming years, so perhaps O’Brien will get the chance to prove his worth in the top division once more.