Nottingham Forest confirm signing of World Cup winner in huge transfer coup
World Cup-winning defender Gonzalo Montiel has become Nottingham Forest’s fourth signing of the transfer window.
The Reds have announced the arrival of the Argentine after reaching an agreement with Sevilla. He has joined on an initial loan deal until the end of the season but the move could become permanent after that.
Montiel follows full-back Ola Aina, attacker Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper Matt Turner in linking up with Steve Cooper ’s squad. Forest have also seen striker Chris Wood’s deal officially become a permanent one this summer.
Further business is expected to follow in the remainder of the transfer window. Ins and outs are likely before next week’s deadline of 11pm on September 1.
But having brought in Montiel prior to the cut-off is seen as a significant bit of business by the Reds. He arrives as a World Cup winner, having scored the decisive penalty for his country in last year’s shootout victory over France in the final in Qatar.
The right-back came up through the ranks at River Plate, in his homeland, before joining Sevilla two years ago. He also netted the decisive spot-kick for the Spanish side as they beat Roma on penalties in last season’s Europa League final
Montiel leaves Sevilla having made 72 appearances and scored two goals. However, he had not featured in their opening two league games of the campaign.
The 26-year-old is unlikely to be the last arrival of the summer at the City Ground. Forest remain keen to strengthen further before the window closes.
They got their first points of the season on the board last week when Wood’s late winner clinched a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United. Next up is a trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.