Transfer Centre

Nottingham Forest 'reach agreement in principle to sign Orel Mangala'

By Matthew Tranter, Reporter | 25 July 2022

Nottingham Forest reach an agreement in principle to sign Stuttgart's 24-year-old midfielder Orel Mangala ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement in principle to sign Stuttgart's 24-year-old midfielder Orel Mangala, according to a report.

The Belgian appeared in 28 Bundesliga matches during the 2021-22 campaign, helping Die Roten avoid a relegation playoff spot on the final day of the season.

Having joined from Anderlecht for around £1.6m in the summer of 2017, Mangala has helped Stuttgart return to Germany's top flight, before helping them to maintain their status in the Bundesliga across the past two seasons.

However, he now looks set for a move to the Premier League according to The Athletic, who are reporting that a fee of around €15m (£12.75m) has been agreed between the two clubs.

A deal has not yet been finalised according to the report, but it does appear close to completion, and should Forest secure his signature, he would become their 12th signing of the summer so far.

Steve Cooper has been busy revamping his side ahead of Forest's eagerly-awaited return to the top flight following a 23-year absence, bringing in the likes of Jesse Lingard, Dean Henderson, Taiwo Awoniyi and Neco Williams to date.

With a potential return to the club for James Garner proving complicated, Cooper remained keen to sign a central midfielder capable of breaking up play in the middle of park next season, and in Mangala, he looks to have got his wish.