Nottingham Forest star happy to ‘respect’ contract – But not against a transfer away if ‘things were to happen’

Nottingham Forest star Orel Mangala has insisted he is happy to remain at the club this summer but isn’t against a move either if it is offered to him.

The midfielder has been speaking to Sud Info regarding his first year in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and whether that’s changed his plans this summer.

The 25-year-old joined Forest in a €13m deal from VfB Stuttgart last summer and established himself as a key player for Steve Cooper’s side not long after

He went on to make 32 appearances in all competitions, 27 of which came in the Premier League, playing a key role as Nottingham Forest avoided relegation with a 16^th place finish.

 

His performance did not go unnoticed, and he’s since found himself as a member of Domenico Tedesco’s new look Belgium side as well.

All indications are that he will be a key player for them too, should he continue to impress for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where he has also started both of their opening league games this season.

As is the case for club’s at that level, there is a chance bigger sides will come calling if he continues to demonstrate his abilities, but Mangala insists he won’t be pushing for an exit.

“I approach this second season with a lot of desire, because I want to do even better than the previous one,” he said.

“I want to continue to grow as a player and, collectively, try to live a championship with less stress.

“In other words, get hold as quickly as possible. Personally, I have set up a small framework around me.

“So, I don’t necessarily see this new season as one of confirmation, but rather as the possibility of continuing to progress and do great things.

“You know, I’m under contract with Nottingham, I have to respect that. After if things were to happen, it will happen. Personally, it does not concern me because there has been no contact this summer.”

 

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Latest Nottingham Forest transfer news as Steve Cooper’s Reds sign Argentine defender from Sevilla

World Cup-winning defender Gonzalo Montiel has become Nottingham Forest’s fourth signing of the transfer window.

The Reds have announced the arrival of the Argentine after reaching an agreement with Sevilla. He has joined on an initial loan deal until the end of the season but the move could become permanent after that.

Montiel follows full-back Ola Aina, attacker Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper Matt Turner in linking up with Steve Cooper ’s squad. Forest have also seen striker Chris Wood’s deal officially become a permanent one this summer.

Further business is expected to follow in the remainder of the transfer window. Ins and outs are likely before next week’s deadline of 11pm on September 1.

But having brought in Montiel prior to the cut-off is seen as a significant bit of business by the Reds. He arrives as a World Cup winner, having scored the decisive penalty for his country in last year’s shootout victory over France in the final in Qatar.

The right-back came up through the ranks at River Plate, in his homeland, before joining Sevilla two years ago. He also netted the decisive spot-kick for the Spanish side as they beat Roma on penalties in last season’s Europa League final

Montiel leaves Sevilla having made 72 appearances and scored two goals. However, he had not featured in their opening two league games of the campaign.

The 26-year-old is unlikely to be the last arrival of the summer at the City Ground. Forest remain keen to strengthen further before the window closes.

They got their first points of the season on the board last week when Wood’s late winner clinched a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United. Next up is a trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.