Brice Samba transfer fee emerges as Nottingham Forest keeper nears Ligue 1 switch

Brice Samba is reportedly close to joining a Ligue 1 side from Nottingham Forest, with Dean Henderson on the verge of becoming his replacement.

Samba has made 130 appearances for the East Midlands club since signing from Caen in August 2019. He played a big role in helping Nottingham Forest gain promotion to the Premier League last season.

The goalkeeper kept 14 clean sheets in 40 matches during the regular Championship season. Then he pulled off a penalty shoot-out masterclass in the play-off semi-final second leg to help Nottingham Forest reach Wembley.

Another clean sheet followed, this time in the final against Huddersfield Town, as the Reds ended their long wait for top-flight football.

Samba is a favourite among Forest supporters. However, he shocked the club by reportedly revealing his desire to leave earlier this month.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Samba feels let down by the club. This is because they took too long to offer him a new deal.

And when fresh terms did arrive, they left the shot-stopper feeling disrespected. He thinks he is under-valued by Forest, in contrast with some of their other top players.

Fresh reports claim Steve Cooper’s side want to resolve the issue and tie Samba down to a new deal. But all other signs point to a summer exit, especially as Forest look set to land Henderson on a season-long loan.

Brice Samba pushing for exit

Sport Witness, who cite French newspaper L’Equipe, reveal Congo-born Samba is close to linking up with Lens.

They claim Samba will ‘soon’ be a part of the French side’s squad. Forest and Lens have essentially come to an agreement for his transfer this summer, 12 months before he becomes a free agent.

Lens will reportedly pay the Premier League newcomers €5million for Samba. That’s work out at around £4.3m.

Forest will undoubtedly want more for the 28-year-old, given his impressive performances for them last term. However, they aren’t in a strong bargaining position due to his desire to leave.

Forest will be sorted in the keeper department once Henderson joins. However, there will be concerns over the position’s long-term future.

After all, the Henderson deal is only for one season. Should the Englishman prove too costly after his temporary spell, then Forest will be desperate to sign a keeper permanently.

Meanwhile, a Prem club is reportedly in ‘advanced’ talks to sign former Forest loanee Djed Spence from Middlesbrough.