Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest

Premier League • England

Lewis O’Brien reveals Steve Cooper influence as star joins Nott’m Forest in double Huddersfield transfer

Lewis O'Brien and Harry Toffolo

Nottingham Forest have completed the signings of Lewis O’Brien and Harry Toffolo from Championship play-off final opponents Huddersfield Town.

The Reds beat Huddersfield 1-0 at Wembley, thanks to a Levi Colwill own goal, to return to the Premier League for the first time in over 20 years. And now they have captured O’Brien and Toffolo from Huddersfield on permanent deals.

23-year-old central midfielder O’Brien has penned a long-term contract with Nottingham Forest. Toffolo has also moved to the City Ground, although the club has not revealed exactly how long their contracts will last.

According to The Athletic, the double raid will cost Forest £10million.

O’Brien and Toffolo were expected to join a few days ago. However, there were complications involving Toffolo’s move and the transfers had to be delayed.

They have now gone through, taking Forest’s number of senior arrivals to nine players. Stars such as Dean Henderson, Neco Williams and Omar Richards have already joined the side.

During his first interview as a Forest player, O’Brien revealed how manager Cooper convinced him to sign.

“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.

Lewis O’Brien ‘buzzing’ to sign for Forest

“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.

“The fans turnout in their numbers week after week and they’ve waited so long for Premier League football. It’s now up to myself and the rest of the team to make sure we keep a smile on their faces.”

Cooper said: “We are delighted to secure the signing of Lewis O’Brien and we are thrilled to get this one over the line. He was one of the standout players in the Championship last season and possesses many of the qualities that we are looking for to strengthen the midfield unit.

“At 23 years of age and with an abundance of experience already, I am confident Lewis will play a pivotal role next year and I look forward to watching him grow as a player over the coming months.”

O’Brien’s team-mate Toffolo spoke about his own move. “I’m extremely delighted to be here, to be able to join a football club with this much stature is fantastic and to have the opportunity to play in the Premier League is something I couldn’t turn down,” he revealed.

Toffolo to ‘fight for the badge’

“I’m excited, really looking forward to meeting the lads and we want to push forward in this division. We’ll push each other every day and we’ve got a fantastic squad being put together.

“I’m a player who wears his heart on his sleeve and I’m someone that will fight for the badge and for the team every single minute and now I can’t wait to get started.”

Both O’Brien and Toffolo will now join up with the Forest squad for the rest of their pre-season camp. They are unlikely to feature in tonight’s match against Hertha Berlin though.

The pair will probably play in Forest shirts for the first time in Saturday’s friendly against Union Berlin.

Meanwhile, Forest are making West Ham sweat when it comes to the signing of free agent Jesse Lingard.