Nottingham Forest reportedly considered a move for highly rated French midfielder Valentin Atangana during last summer’s transfer window.
Adding reinforcements in midfield was on the Reds’ agenda heading into the new campaign. Following the £116 million sale of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, Forest had a vacancy to address in the middle of the park.
The club did bring in Austria international Xaver Schlager on a free transfer, while James McAtee’s impressive displays in a deeper midfield role meant another signing in that area became less urgent. Forest continued to explore younger options, including Everton midfielder Harrison Armstrong, but ultimately failed to complete a deal before the window closed.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe (via Get Football News France), Atangana was another player on Forest’s shortlist. The 21-year-old was reportedly the subject of enquiries from both Forest and Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Atangana now represents Al-Ahli after leaving his boyhood club Stade de Reims for the Saudi Arabian side in the summer of 2025. The midfielder is believed to have had opportunities to return to European football last summer.
The France Under-21 international is reportedly open to eventually making a return to Europe. Get Football News France claim he has described the Saudi Pro League as a good “trampoline” towards earning a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, with the midfielder dreaming of testing himself in the Champions League.
Forest also considered Liverpool youngster Trey Nyoni and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall before the summer window shut. The Reds came particularly close to bringing Armstrong to the City Ground, only for Everton to abandon the transfer following a backlash from their supporters.
Midfield could therefore become an area Forest revisit when the January transfer window opens. Bringing in young players with the potential to develop and increase in value has been a key part of the club’s recruitment strategy during recent windows.
Quality rather than quantity was the priority for the Reds over the summer, with five new players joining Oliver Glasner’s squad during a relatively quiet transfer window. Alongside Schlager, Forest completed deals for Ousmane Diomande, Liam Delap, Steven Benda and Daniel Munoz. Gustavo Sa also arrived but was immediately sent out on loan to sister club Olympiacos.