Nottingham Forest are targeting Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado amid €40m offers from Saudi clubs and a €30m bid from Barcelona, while also eyeing 18-year-old Nigerian striker Abdoulaye Agbejoye, compared to Erling Haaland.

Deadline Day Pressure

The Premier League deadline day is set for 11pm on 1 September, giving Forest a narrow window to finalise any deals. Head coach Oliver Glasner has made it clear that he wants to add a striker and a right-back in the final days, prioritising quality over quantity.

Casado: A €40m Target

The 22-year-old Barcelona midfielder has attracted interest from several clubs. Saudi Arabian sides Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli have reportedly offered around €40 million (£34 million). Barcelona are keen to cash in for at least €30 million (£25 million) and are described as “urgently looking to offload” the player.

Sport Witness reports that Benfica, AC Milan and an unnamed Turkish club are also eyeing Casado, while the midfielder has “multiple offers” from the Middle East and across Europe. Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Sunderland have been contacted by Forest, according to TEAMtalk, who say the Reds are “leading the race” for his signature.

Casado’s contract runs until 2028, and he has expressed a preference for regular football in Europe. While Forest had previously focused on midfield reinforcement, Glasner’s recent comments suggest the centre-of-the-pitch search has been put on hold in favour of a striker and a right-back.

Agbejoye: The Haaland-like Prospect

In a different vein, Forest have turned their attention to 18-year-old Nigerian striker Abdoulaye Agbejoye. The player, who currently features for Grassrunners’ academy, has been compared to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and is seen as a long-term investment.

SoccerNet reports that Forest are “frontrunners” in a race with Bayer Leverkusen to secure the youngster. If a deal is reached, a loan or time in the academy is likely, as Agbejoye would not be expected to feature for the first team immediately.

Glasner’s strategy of recruiting young talent aligns with Forest’s long-term plans. The club’s focus on potential value growth fits the profile of Agbejoye, who could develop into a key player for the City Ground.

The Bigger Picture

With the deadline looming, Forest’s transfer activity reflects a dual approach: securing a high-profile midfielder in Casado while also investing in a promising teenager in Agbejoye. The club’s willingness to engage with clubs across Europe and the Middle East underscores their ambition to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.

The next few days will determine whether Forest can close the deals before the 1 September deadline, potentially reshaping the Reds’ lineup for the 2026-27 campaign.