Nottingham Forest have opened talks for Fiorentina right-back Dodo as Oliver Glasner continues his search for added depth in the wing-back positions.
Sky Sports Italy report that the Reds are keen on the Brazilian defender. However, the two clubs remain firmly at odds over his valuation.
Forest’s Opening Bid Rejected
Forest are understood to have tabled an opening offer of £6 million. Football Italia claim Fiorentina want at least £8.5 million for the player.
The Serie A side have already rejected that first bid. Negotiations are therefore at an early and delicate stage.
Contract Situation Creates Urgency
Dodo is out of contract at the end of the current season. He joined Fiorentina from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2022.
Since moving to Florence the 27-year-old has made 163 appearances for the Viola. Only two of those outings have come this term so far.
He started in Fiorentina’s heavy 4-0 home defeat to Roma on Monday night. That result left the Italian side searching for answers at both ends of the pitch.
Long-Standing Summer Interest
The right-back has been linked with Nottingham Forest throughout the summer window. Glasner is specifically hunting for the ideal wing-back profile.
The Austrian wants a player capable of challenging Ola Aina for the right-sided role. Dodo’s attacking instincts and defensive experience make him an attractive option.
Career Path of the Brazilian
Dodo began his professional career with Brazilian club Coritiba. He then moved to Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018 and developed further in the Ukrainian league.
His switch to Fiorentina three years later brought European exposure. With the Viola he has twice finished as runner-up in the UEFA Conference League.
He also reached the final of the Italian Cup in 2023. Those experiences have sharpened his big-game temperament.
Tactical Fit Under Glasner
Glasner’s system relies on energetic wing-backs who can both protect the back three and surge forward in transition. Dodo’s pace and crossing ability align closely with those demands.
Aina has been a consistent performer, yet the manager wants genuine competition rather than a clear hierarchy. Adding another high-quality option would raise standards across the defensive unit.
Recent Form Context for Both Clubs
Nottingham Forest have shown flashes of quality in the early weeks of the campaign. Their defensive shape has generally been solid, but depth remains a concern after a demanding schedule.
Fiorentina, by contrast, are still finding consistency. The heavy loss to Roma underlined the need for fresh impetus and possible squad reshaping.
Forest sit in a competitive mid-table cluster after the opening fixtures. Glasner’s side have collected points through organisation and counter-attacking threat.
Any addition of a proven European campaigner such as Dodo would be viewed as a statement of intent by the City Ground hierarchy.
Fan Reaction and Transfer Speculation
Supporters on social media have reacted with a mixture of excitement and caution. Many welcome the idea of competition for Aina but question whether £8.5 million is realistic for a player entering the final months of his contract.
Others point to Dodo’s pedigree and argue that the fee still represents value if Forest can secure a longer-term deal. The debate continues to gather pace online.
What Happens Next
Forest must now decide whether to improve their offer or hold firm at the lower valuation. Fiorentina appear determined to extract maximum value while they still hold the player’s registration.
Talks are expected to continue over the coming days. Both clubs know the window is finite and that other interested parties could yet emerge.
Glasner has made clear that recruitment must serve the tactical plan rather than simply add numbers. Dodo’s profile suggests he could slot straight into the system with minimal adaptation time.
The Brazilian’s experience of high-intensity European nights would also prove useful as Forest navigate a busy domestic calendar.
Broader Squad Implications
Securing a new right-sided wing-back would free Glasner to rotate more aggressively. Aina has carried a heavy workload and would benefit from regular rest periods.
Depth in the full-back and wing-back positions has been an ongoing topic among the coaching staff. The current pursuit of Dodo is the clearest public signal yet of their intentions.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, face the prospect of losing a squad member who has contributed consistently since 2022. Their desire for a higher fee reflects the player’s remaining contribution potential this season.
Whether the two clubs can bridge the £2.5 million gap remains the central question. At present the talks are open but unresolved.
Looking Ahead
Further updates are expected once Forest either raise their bid or explore alternative targets. The interest in Dodo has already generated significant coverage across both English and Italian media.
For now the situation stands as reported by Sky Sports Italy and Football Italia. Nottingham Forest remain keen, Fiorentina remain firm on valuation, and the player continues to feature for his current club.
Glasner’s search for the right profile continues. Dodo remains firmly in the frame as the Reds look to strengthen the right flank before the window closes.