Nottingham Forest have reportedly suffered a setback in their latest attempt to strengthen the squad, with an opening proposal rejected after Fiorentina decided the offer did not meet their valuation.
The Reds are continuing to assess their options in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, and the latest development suggests another deal may require further negotiations before there is any chance of an agreement.
Forest’s £7m Proposal Rejected
According to the transfer update shared by NFFC Hub, Nottingham Forest offered £7 million for Fiorentina right-wing back Dodô, but the Italian club rejected the proposal.
Fiorentina reportedly consider the offer too low, meaning Forest will need to decide whether to improve their proposal or move their attention towards alternative targets.
The rejection does not necessarily mean negotiations are over, particularly with Forest continuing to work on squad improvements, but it does show that Fiorentina are not prepared to accept the initial figure put forward.
Fiorentina Make Their Position Clear
For Fiorentina, the decision to turn down the offer represents a clear indication that they believe the player is worth considerably more than the amount proposed by the Premier League club.
Forest therefore face a familiar transfer-window question: whether to increase their offer for a player they clearly appear to value or walk away if the asking price becomes too high.
With the transfer deadline approaching, timing could also become an important factor as clubs across Europe attempt to complete their remaining business.
Why Forest Are Looking at the Position
The interest makes sense from a tactical perspective, with the right wing-back position particularly important to a side looking to develop a more aggressive system under Oliver Glasner.
Glasner’s teams have traditionally placed significant emphasis on wing-backs, with those players expected to provide width, support attacks and still recover quickly when possession is lost.
A player capable of operating effectively on the right side could therefore give Forest another option when they need to change the way they attack opponents.
Dodô’s Profile Fits the Role
Dodô is an experienced right-sided defender who has played in a role that can suit a system built around attacking wing-backs.
His ability to contribute from a wide position would potentially give Forest another route forward, particularly against teams that defend with a compact central block.
For a manager looking to establish his preferred tactical identity, having players who naturally fit the demands of the system can be just as important as simply adding depth to the squad.
Forest Need More Options After Difficult Start
The latest transfer development comes at an important moment for Forest, who have endured a difficult opening to the new Premier League campaign.
Forest began their league season at the City Ground against Leeds United but suffered a 1-0 defeat after Anton Stach scored a late free-kick to settle the contest. 0
The result left Forest without a point after the opening league fixture, while the performance also highlighted some of the areas that still need improvement as the campaign develops.
Forest had shown encouraging signs during pre-season, including victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Brest, but the competitive matches have provided a much tougher test. 1
Early League Position Adds Pressure
Following the opening weekend, Forest were sitting 15th in the Premier League table with zero points and a minus-one goal difference.
Of course, one match is far too early to draw conclusions about the entire season, but the slow start increases the importance of getting the squad into shape quickly. 2
Forest will need to turn performances into results soon, especially with a demanding run of fixtures arriving during the early weeks of the campaign.
Another Blow Against Leeds
The pressure increased further on Tuesday night when Leeds defeated Forest again, this time recording a 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup at the City Ground.
The result meant Leeds had beaten Forest twice in just four days, following their 1-0 Premier League victory at the same stadium on the opening weekend. 3
That sequence of results has inevitably intensified scrutiny around Forest, although the season remains in its very early stages and Glasner has only recently taken charge.
The manager will be hoping that further additions can help his squad adapt more quickly to his methods and provide greater competition for places.
A Tough Schedule Lies Ahead
Forest now face another major test when they travel to Anfield to meet Liverpool on Saturday, August 29.
They then have Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground on September 5 before an away trip to Aston Villa on September 12, giving Glasner little time to find solutions. 4
Those fixtures underline why Forest will be keen to make the most of whatever opportunities remain in the transfer market.
Will Forest Increase Their Offer?
The biggest question following the rejection is whether Forest are prepared to return with an improved proposal.
If Fiorentina’s valuation is significantly higher than £7 million, Forest’s recruitment team will have to weigh up the cost of pursuing the deal against the benefits of bringing in another specialist for the position.
There is also the possibility that negotiations could continue behind the scenes, particularly if both clubs believe there is enough common ground to eventually reach an agreement.
Time Is Running Out
With the summer transfer window moving towards its conclusion, every negotiation becomes increasingly time-sensitive.
Forest cannot afford to spend too long pursuing one target if there is a risk of being left without an alternative before the deadline.
At the same time, agreeing to pay significantly above their initial valuation could create questions about whether the club has overpaid simply because of the pressure surrounding the deadline.
Forest Fans Will Be Watching Closely
For supporters, the rejection will naturally create interest in what happens next, particularly after the team’s difficult start to competitive football.
Fans will want to see whether the club responds by improving its offer or whether the recruitment team decides that Fiorentina’s valuation is too high.
The situation also highlights the level of competition for places that Forest are attempting to create as they build a squad capable of coping with the demands of the Premier League.
While one transfer will not determine the success of the season, adding the right players could prove important as Glasner attempts to establish his preferred style and improve results.
What Happens Next?
For now, Fiorentina’s position is clear: the reported £7 million proposal for Dodô has been rejected because it is considered too low.
Forest must now decide whether to return with a higher offer, continue negotiations or identify another option for the right wing-back position.
The timing makes the situation particularly intriguing, because Forest are already under pressure to turn their early-season fortunes around while also preparing for a difficult Premier League schedule.
Whether the club ultimately pushes ahead with a renewed bid remains to be seen, but the rejection ensures that this is a transfer story worth watching closely in the coming days.