Nottingham Forest pull out of race to sign Ismail Jakobs

Nottingham Forest have walked away from a deal to bring Ismail Jakobs to the City Ground. The Reds will have to go back to the drawing board for a new left-back.

According to The Athletic, Forest have walked away from a deal for Jakobs. It’s claimed that the club felt Monaco were asking for far too much money for their left-sided defender.

The Monaco player could still be sold this summer. Forest had been keen to sign the 23-year-old who signed for the Ligue 1 outfit back in 2021 from Cologne.

Forest target Jakobs has been striving for a regular place since arriving at the club, making 80 appearances. Last season he featured 41 times in all competitions but only started nine league games.

The youngster plays as a left-back or left-sided wing-back. He’s built more like a central midfielder and isn’t afraid to get stuck into challenges when he needs to.

At this stage, it’s not clear how much the Ligue 1 club want to recoup exactly. It looks as though he’s going to cost a fair bit though, with the player having a contract until 2026.

Forest have Omar Richards and Harry Toffolo in their ranks at present. Toffolo faces a ban after breaking betting regulations; whilst Richards hasn’t played in over a year after two serious injuries.

Josh Powell has played during the pre-season campaign. The club has also signed Ola Aina and right now he will likely be the first choice; although he was probably signed as a backup option.

Forest make Jakobs their top left-back target

This would have be an interesting one. The player certainly fits the profile of the type of player that Forest would like to sign in the future and Jakobs might welcome a move.

He would have some help settling in at the club. Niakhate and Kouyate are both international teammates and that might help him make his mind up.

Now, things are growing pretty perilous though. Forest need to dig deep and spend some money on a new left-back, with Renan Lodi proving a fan favourite last season.

Jakobs won’t be the new left-back at the City Ground. Once again, the Reds have been priced out and some fans might be growing pretty fed up with this transfer window.