Nottingham Forest make major Brice Samba decision as Dean Henderson pursuit reaches critical stage
Nottingham Forest have made a new and significant attempt to keep goalkeeper Brice Samba at the club on a new contract, according to a report.
Samba was one of the key players who helped Nottingham Forest return to the Premier League. He played in 40 Championship matches last season and then all three play-off games.
However, he is now entering the final 12 months of his contract with the club. They are therefore working on a renewal to avoid losing him for free.
But Samba does not seem too enthusiastic about signing on again, despite the chance to play in the Premier League. Indeed, The Athletic reported earlier this month that the goalkeeper has told the club he has decided to leave.
A return to French football has been speculated for the Congo international, who used to represent the likes of Marseille and Caen.
However, The Sun are now reporting that Nottingham Forest are making a renewed effort to keep Samba. Their report claims they are willing to offer him terms worth more than double his current salary.
They still believe he is seeking a move to Ligue 1. But Forest want to keep the 28-year-old and are therefore now stepping up their efforts.
It remains to be seen how that might affect their pursuit of Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Forest have been trying to get him on loan to boost his chances of getting back into contention for the England squad ahead of the winter World Cup.
Brice Samba stance intriguing amid Dean Henderson pursuit
According to Fabrizio Romano on Monday morning, Forest and United are still confident of arranging the loan deal this week. In fact, personal terms for Henderson at the City Ground are said to have been agreed.
Talks are still underway for the season-long switch. In theory, Henderson would take Samba’s place as number one.
Whether Forest can keep Samba around as a backup, or they will lose him so he can be a first-choice still somewhere else, remains to be seen.
Steve Cooper’s side also have Ethan Horvath and Jordan Smith among their goalkeeper ranks. The latter is entering the final year of his contract as well.
Given Horvath only joined last summer, it seems he will be the deputy to Henderson, unless there is a turn of events regarding Samba’s future.
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