Could Forest have made the season’s best signing…
According to talkSPORT analyst Andy Townsend, Nottingham Forest scored a “outstanding” goal on deadline day.
On September 1st, the Tricky Trees added five new players, with Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nicolas Dominguez, Odysseas Vlachodimos, and Nuno Tavare joining club-record signing Ibrahim Sangare at the City Ground.
After seeing him play for PSV, the former Chelsea and Aston Villa midfielder believes the Reds’ £30 million addition may be one of the season’s best.
What was Andy Townsend’s take on Ibrahim Sangaré?
Following Forest’s 1-0 away win over Chelsea, Townsend was full of praise for the club, which is presently ninth in the Premier League, as well as their new addition.
In an interview with talkSPORT, he stated:
“Ally and I were talking about Forest.” It was a fantastic triumph over Chelsea, and they played exceptionally well.
“I also tell you what, they’ve signed one lad, Ibrahim Sangare.” He’s an exceptional player and a fantastic player.
“Me and Ally have watched him a little bit recently with PSV playing Rangers, and he’s been really good to watch.”
Is Sangaré a good acquisition for Forest?
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper appears to have achieved a great coup by signing the Ivorian, who was desired by several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea.
Sangaré made 140 appearances with PSV (who he signed for in 2020) before signing a five-year contract with Nottingham Forest, scoring 15 goals and contributing 10 assists in all competitions.
Former PSV and Ajax manager Aad De Moss praised the 25-year-old in 2022, according to Voetbal 4U.
He stated:
“On one leg, Ibrahim Sangaré is better than Leicester’s midfield.”
“He is extraordinary; he has been PSV’s king this season.” You only miss Sangeré when he’s not on the pitch.
“He can easily play for Tottenham, and he should.”
“Sangaré is a fantastic player.” I believe €35 million is a reasonable asking price.
“It’s a steal.” I believe he is a good talent who would be drafted first by any of those teams.
“You need someone like that, who picks up a ball and always has the point of his shoe in between things.” And he’s recently become more threatening approaching the opponent’s goal.”
The midfielder backs up the Dutch legend’s praise with exceptional performances on the pitch; last season, Sofascore placed him as PSV’s fifth-best performer, with an average rating of 7.24.
Furthermore, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of European midfielders for ball recoveries and in the top 24% for tackles.
Since getting promoted to the Premier League, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has not been afraid to bring in new faces, bringing in 13 players in the most recent window alone, seven of which were completed on deadline day. However, it appears that Sangaré may be the best of the bunch.
