Nottingham Forest have hit a stumbling block in their pursuit of Dutch right‑back Givairo Read, as Feyenoord insists on a guaranteed €33 million fee without bonuses. The Dutch side rejected a €29 million package, leaving Forest to decide whether to meet the higher demand.
Why is Feyenoord holding firm?
Feyenoord’s stance stems from Read’s potential upside. At 20, he has only featured in five matches since the winter break, but the club believes his value could rise to €40‑50 million if he shines in the Eredivisie and European competition next season. Managerial comments suggest the club expects him to become a Dutch international, which would further inflate his market price.
How does this affect Forest’s transfer strategy?
Forest’s recent attempts to secure a right‑back have already been complicated by Roma walking away from a separate deal. With the €33 million price tag now on the table, Oliver Glasner must weigh the cost against the club’s budget constraints. The Premier League side finished 16th in the 2025 table with 44 points, a record of 11‑11‑16 and a recent form of DLDWW, indicating limited financial flexibility.
What are the alternatives for Forest?
If the fee proves too steep, Forest could explore other defensive options in the market, perhaps targeting players with lower price tags but similar attributes. The club’s recent 1‑1 draw with Bournemouth on 24 May 2026 and a recent run of 0‑3‑2 (DDLLD) suggest a need for defensive reinforcement, yet any alternative must fit within the existing wage structure.
What’s next for the transfer saga?
The next fixture sees Forest hosting Coventry on 19 September 2026, giving the manager a short window to finalize any deals. Feyenoord has made it clear that Read must excel this season to attract bigger suitors, implying that Forest’s patience may be tested. Until a breakthrough is reached, the deal appears unlikely to materialise this summer.
Bottom line
With Feyenoord’s €33 million demand firmly in place, Nottingham Forest face a decisive moment: meet the price and secure a promising talent, or pivot to other targets as the transfer window closes. The outcome will shape the club’s defensive options heading into the new season.
