City Ground: Nottingham Forest contract reality, striker request

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Inside the City Ground: Nottingham Forest contract reality, striker request

Sarah Clapson

7 – 9 minutes

Nottingham Forest have a big few weeks ahead as they prepare for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

With the new term less than a month away, the Reds are currently being put through their paces on a pre-season training camp in Portugal. Building on the progress made over the past year will be the aim for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side when the serious action begins.

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This is an important summer for Forest ahead of competing in Europe for the first time in three decades. Below, NottinghamshireLive takes a look at the latest goings-on Trentside.

Feeling at home

Speculation about Ola Aina’s future at the City Ground dominated headlines for a while earlier this year. Although a 12-month extension was automatically triggered when the Reds officially avoided relegation last season, the club were keen to get him tied down to longer terms.

They managed to do just that earlier this month, with Aina now a Red until 2028. And according to the defender, there was never any question about him agreeing to stay.

“Not on my side. Obviously on the outside looking in, it seems different. But me and the club knew what was going on,” he said. “It was always going to happen.

“I’m very happy to be staying here. Like I’ve always said, it feels like home, so I’m really happy I’m here.

“The fans and the staff are nice, the city’s good and everyone has taken to me well since I’ve been here. That’s what makes me feel at home.”

So will Callum Hudson-Odoi, who has 12 months left on his contract, follow suit in putting pen to paper? Aina replied with a grin: “I don’t know! Everyone is being professional. Right now we just need to get our heads down and focus on pre-season because it’s going to be another important season for us and we’re looking forward to it.”

Celebration change

Reds fans are yet to get a glimpse of summer signing Igor Jesus playing in the Garibaldi. The striker completed a switch from Botafogo earlier this month but is yet to get a run-out for his new club.

There is plenty of excitement Trentside about what Jesus will bring to Nuno’s team. But supporters hoping to see the Brazilian’s trademark Kamehameha goal celebration may end up disappointed.

It’s nothing to do with questions over whether the forward will find the back of the net. Instead, it appears he has retired his customary gesture – on the encouragement of his mother.

Jesus first unveiled the Kamehameha 12 months ago, following his move to Botafogo from Shabab Al Ahli. It was a nod to a signature move used by one of the characters in the Dragon Ball Z television series, which he is a fan of.

But perhaps a new chapter calls for a new celebration. “My mother asked me not to celebrate like that at Nottingham Forest, unless it’s a very important goal,” Jesus told Botafogo TV (via Sport Witness).

Danilo deal

Midfielder Danilo completed a move from Forest to Botafogo last week. In doing so, the 24-year-old became the most expensive signing in the Brazilian club’s history – something he is particularly proud of.

The Reds sold Danilo for a reported €22 million (£18.5m). He hopes to prove to Botafogo owner John Textor that he was right to make such an investment.

“I found out during the flight that it was the biggest signing in the club’s history – my agent texted me,” Danilo told Brazilian publication Globo Esporte. “I’m happy. I hope to honour this money well spent by John Textor with good matches and titles.

“Very happy to be here. Great team. Expectations are high, they’ve been rising since the Club World Cup. I want to help in any way I can and continue winning titles.”

Having been at Palmeiras earlier in his career, Danilo was said to be hesitant about joining Botafogo initially. A conversation with boss Davide Ancelotti helped convince him to sign.