Nottingham Forest have seen their £15 million bid for Feyenoord right‑back Givairo Read turned down, but the City Ground side are already preparing a second offer as they look to channel the cash from Elliot Anderson’s £116 million move.
What happened?
Feyenoord confirmed on Tuesday that the initial proposal from Forest fell short of their valuation for the 22‑year‑old. The Dutch club did not disclose a counter‑offer, but sources close to the negotiations say Forest will return to the table with an improved package. The rejection was reported by Fabrizio Romano, who noted the bid was officially lodged and that the Dutch side expects a revised offer soon.
Why is Read a priority for Forest?
Forest’s scouting department has flagged the right‑back position as a key area for reinforcement after a season of defensive frailties. Read, known for his attacking thrust and solid defensive work‑rate, fits the profile of the modern full‑back the club wants to deploy under manager Steve Cooper. With the club sitting 16th in the Premier League, 44 points from 38 games and a recent form of DLDWW, the urgency to bolster the back line is palpable.
How does the Anderson sale affect the bid?
The £116 million fee received for Elliot Anderson gave Forest a rare windfall. Owner Evangelos Marinakis has signalled that the money will not sit idle; instead, it will be reinvested to improve the squad. The Read offer represents the first major use of those funds, aiming to turn a cash‑inflow into a tangible on‑field upgrade. Forest’s recent 1‑1 draw with Bournemouth on 24 May 2026 highlighted the need for a more reliable defensive option.
What comes next?
If Forest can improve their offer, Feyenoord is likely to entertain talks, especially as other European clubs have shown interest in the Dutch right‑back. A successful deal would see Read join a Forest side that has conceded 51 goals this season, a -3 goal difference, while trying to climb out of the relegation zone. The next fixture for Forest is an away match at Hull City on 2 December 2026, a game that could prove decisive in their fight for survival.
Forest remain 41 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race, underscoring the gap they must bridge. Yet the club’s proactive approach in the market suggests they are not content to simply survive-they aim to build a squad capable of challenging higher up the table.
