The summer transfer window is rarely without its drama, and Nottingham Forest appears intent on keeping that tradition alive. Reports suggest the Tricky Trees are poised to table a significant £26 million bid for Palmeiras` much-coveted midfielder, Richard Rios. This aggressive move comes amidst a curious domestic dispute concerning their own star, Morgan Gibbs-White, setting the stage for a compelling saga.
Forest Targets “Machine” Rios Amidst Transfer Frenzy
Nottingham Forest`s ambition this summer is palpable. Following a season that saw them solidify their Premier League status and secure a spot in European competition, the club is clearly keen to bolster its ranks. Their primary target, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari, is Richard Rios, a dynamic central midfielder from Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras.
Rios, often described as a “machine” on the pitch, has garnered significant attention across Europe. His reported price tag of €30 million (approximately £26 million) reflects his rising stock. What makes this pursuit particularly intriguing is the sheer volume of high-profile clubs also vying for his signature. Benfica, a regular fixture in Champions League football, is reportedly ready to enter the fray, while Italian giants AS Roma are said to be monitoring the situation closely. Not to be outdone, Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers have already made their move with a £21 million offer, only for Forest to seemingly prepare a more compelling counter-bid.
This multi-club pursuit underscores Rios`s quality and potential. A Colombian international, he operates primarily in a defensive midfield role, yet boasts an impressive knack for contributing to attacks. The 2025 campaign saw him notch eight goal contributions in 35 appearances across all competitions for Palmeiras – statistics that certainly raise an eyebrow for a player in his position. Football scout Ben Mattinson has lauded Rios for his exceptional ball-carrying ability, further cementing his reputation as a modern midfielder capable of driving play forward.
The Gibbs-White Conundrum: A Parallel Universe of Transfers
Forest`s pursuit of a new midfield general takes place against the backdrop of a rather public and somewhat acrimonious situation involving their current attacking maestro, Morgan Gibbs-White. Tottenham Hotspur had reportedly triggered the £60 million release clause in Gibbs-White`s contract, signaling a monumental move. However, the deal has since hit a significant snag.
Nottingham Forest has formally reported Tottenham to the Premier League, alleging an “illegal approach” for the 25-year-old. This unprecedented step has cast a long shadow over the potential transfer, with Gibbs-White having recently returned to Forest training, a clear indication that his immediate future remains at the City Ground. While the club hopes for a resolution that sees their talisman stay, the unfolding drama highlights the complex legal and ethical tightropes clubs must navigate in the transfer market.
Gibbs-White has been nothing short of phenomenal since Forest`s return to the top flight. His consistent performances have been key to their success:
| Season | PL Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 35 | 5 | 8 |
| 2023-24 | 37 | 5 | 10 |
| 2024-25 | 34 | 7 | 10 |
His impressive output in both goals and assists makes his potential departure a significant blow. Yet, Forest`s continued pursuit of Rios suggests a strategic foresight: irrespective of Gibbs-White`s fate, strengthening the midfield is a priority. This pragmatic approach demonstrates a club building for sustained success, not merely reacting to immediate crises.
Europa League: Forest`s Ace in the Hole?
In the high-stakes world of football transfers, every advantage counts. Nottingham Forest holds a unique trump card in the race for Richard Rios: Europa League football. While Wolves, a fellow Premier League contender for Rios, cannot offer continental competition this season, Forest can. This factor could prove decisive for a player like Rios, who, despite his impressive form in Brazil, would undoubtedly relish the opportunity to test himself on a broader European stage.
The lure of European nights at the City Ground, coupled with Forest`s willingness to make a robust financial commitment, might just be enough to tip the scales in their favor. It’s a compelling argument, one that underscores the value of securing a European spot – not just for prestige, but for attracting top-tier talent in a hyper-competitive market.
The transfer market is a delicate ecosystem of whispers, bids, and counter-bids. For Nottingham Forest, the coming weeks will reveal whether their ambitious pursuit of Richard Rios pays off, and how the ongoing saga of Morgan Gibbs-White ultimately concludes. One thing is certain: Forest is playing a high-stakes game, and the outcomes will shape their trajectory for seasons to come.
