Nottingham Forest are on the brink of sealing a £17.1 million deal for 21‑year‑old Portuguese midfielder Gustavo Sa, the player who shattered João Moutinho’s appearance record. The club hopes the signing will add creativity to a side that finished 2025 in 16th place with 33 points, 8W‑9D‑15L from 32 games.

Who is Gustavo Sa?

Sa rose through Famalicão’s academy after stints at Academia Elite Sport and Porto. He debuted in August 2022 and netted his first senior goal three months later in a 3‑1 win over Gil Vicente. By March 2026 he became the youngest ever to reach 100 top‑flight games in Portugal, doing so at 21 years, 3 months and 24 days. He also holds 15 caps for Portugal’s Under‑21 side, scoring twice.

How does Sa’s record stack up?

Last season Sa logged 32 Primeira Liga appearances, scoring four goals and providing two assists. Fotmob’s 29 July data shows he averaged 0.13 goals, 1.46 shots, 0.07 assists and 0.15 xA per 90 minutes, with 6.31 duels won and 1.93 aerial duels won. Those numbers suggest a player comfortable in both ground and aerial battles, a profile that could translate well to the Premier League’s physical demands.

Why is the transfer important for Forest?

Forest’s 2025 campaign yielded 32 goals scored and 44 conceded, a –12 goal difference that left them 37 points behind leaders Arsenal. Adding a versatile midfielder like Sa could help tighten the midfield, improve chance creation, and potentially lift the club out of the relegation‑watch zone as they prepare for the 2026‑27 season.

What’s next after the signing?

Reports indicate Forest will loan Sa to Olympiacos for the 2026‑27 campaign, allowing him regular game time while the club monitors his development. Should he thrive in Greece, Forest could recall him for the 2027‑28 season, aiming to boost a squad that will face Manchester United at home on 20 February 2027, currently sitting third in the league.

The deal, if completed, would mark one of the club’s most significant summer investments in recent years, reflecting a clear intent to rebuild after a challenging season.