Nottingham Forest beat Premier League rivals Fulham to the signing of defender Gonzalo Montiel earlier this week. The player rejected other offers to pen terms at the City Ground.
According to Estadio Deportivo, the Reds had to fight off a late charge from Fulham for his signature. However, Montiel had his heart set on a move to Forest and they won the race.
It’s the first time in the club’s history that a World Cup winner has played for Forest. Montiel scored the winning penalty as Argentina defeated France in the final back in December.
The 26-year-old has a bit of a reputation when it comes to taking penalty kicks. He also scored the winning penalty as Sevilla defeated Roma to win the Europa League Final at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
Fulham did well in the Premier League last season. As a result, it perhaps highlights that Forest are still an attractive proposition for new signings given that Montiel chose Nottingham over London.
The player arrives at Forest as a player with lots of big game experience to his name. Not only has he won the World Cup and Europa League but he was also part of the Argentina team that won the Copa America.
Forest beat Premier League rivals Fulham to Montiel signing
If there was any doubt before this signing, Nottingham Forest are back. Two years ago the Reds were languishing in bottom place in the Championship yet now, they’re signing World Cup winners!
Steve Cooper has overseen a ridiculous turnaround at the football club. Behind the scenes, it’s starting to become apparent that the people in charge of recruitment have worked tirelessly this summer.
George Syrianos has returned on a consultancy basis. He, along with Ross Wilson, have been busy in recent days and the Forest squad looks like being much stronger than it was 12 months ago.
It promises to be a busy few days for the Reds leading up to the transfer deadline. Hopefully, Cooper will get his wish and Forest can sign a few more before the window slams shut.
