Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have successfully completed the signing of 22-year-old full-back Luca Netz from the Bundesliga. Netz has committed to a four-and-a-half-year contract at the City Ground, with the Reds securing his services for a reported fee of £2 million, which includes add-ons and a sell-on clause. This acquisition comes as Netz’s contract in Germany was set to expire at the end of the season, making him a valuable addition to Forest’s squad.
Luca Netz said: “Nottingham Forest is a great club with a unique history. The chance to play for this club in the Premier League immediately excited me. I am ready for a new challenge and the next step in my career. I am extremely motivated to get started here and am incredibly excited about the first training sessions and matches at the City Ground in front of our fans.”
Edu Gaspar said: “A part of the model is to add talented young players to the squad that can grow with us. Despite his age, Luca has played well over 100 times at the highest level in Germany, so we are signing a player with a good blend of potential and experience. With the ability to play on the left side, Luca brings balance to our team and we are all looking forward to see him settle in Nottingham and contribute for the rest of the season and beyond.”
The signing of Netz addresses a crucial need for Nottingham Forest, especially after the departure of Oleksandr Zinchenko, which left the team short on defensive cover. With Ola Aina and Neco Williams as the current first-choice full-backs, Netz’s arrival provides additional depth and flexibility, as both Aina and Williams are capable of playing on either side of the defense. This strategic move enhances Forest’s squad depth, particularly in light of head coach Dyche awaiting confirmation on the severity of an injury sustained by summer signing Nicolo Savona.
Having made 124 appearances for his former Bundesliga side, including 17 this season, Netz brings a wealth of experience despite his young age. His involvement with Germany’s national teams at various age levels, including the Under-21s, further underscores his potential and readiness to compete at the Premier League level. Forest fans will be eager to see how Netz integrates into the squad and contributes to the team’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.
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