Nottingham Forest bid for Roma defender that Jose Mourinho loves
By Evan Curnew
Nottingham Forest will be looking to push beyond their relegation survival last season. The club has added forwards Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood to their attack, but now the transfer focus will look at the backline. The likes of Willy Boly, Felipe, Loic Mbe Soh, Steve Cook and Jonathan Panzo could all theoretically be seen as surplus to Steve Cooper. One very intriguing option has emerged for the Forest defensive line. Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed that Nottingham Forest has submitted a bid for AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez.
The bid is reportedly worth £21.5m, and Nottingham Forest is really adamant about signing the Brazilian defender. Given the importance of Roger Ibanez to Roma, it is unlikely for this initial bid to be accepted, but it will be a developing situation to watch.
Roger Ibanez made his name at the Brazilian side Fluminense before making his way over to Italy with Atalanta. After consecutive loan spells at Roma, Ibanez joined I Giallorossi on a permanent deal in 2021. Roger has enjoyed plenty of praise and playing time under decorated manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese coach is a big fan of Ibanez’s work rate and character.
"“Tomorrow it’s Ibanez and 10 others. Beyond what your question might be, that’s the answer. I have a lot of respect for someone that, from the first day I got here, [Ibanez] has given everything he has. And, on more than one occasion, even when he has had a few issues”.“When we win, we all win together. When we lose, we all lose together. For me [Ibanez] is untouchable. There is nothing more to be said” [Source]"
He played 48 matches last year and missed just two matches due to injury. Ibanez has experience playing as a left, right and central centre-back. With Captain Joe Worrall as a staple figure under Cooper, Roger Ibanez would likely pair with the Englishmen playing on the left side.