Nottingham Forest’s hopes for Premier League survival were handed a massive lift over the weekend after the Reds secured a gritty 2-0 victory away at high-flying Brentford on Sunday afternoon. The triumph at the Gtech Community Stadium has significantly altered the mood around the City Ground, as Sean Dyche’s side continues to fight its way out of the danger zone.
The result marks three games unbeaten in the top flight for Dyche’s men, ensuring their critical five-point cushion to the relegation zone remains firmly intact. In a season defined by inconsistency, this latest run of form suggests that the experienced manager is finally instilling the defensive resilience and clinical edge required for a successful survival bid.
Perhaps most encouraging for the coaching staff was the return to form of Igor Jesus and Taiwo Awoniyi. The striking duo silenced critics in West London by ending their respective goal droughts, with Jesus opening the scoring in the 12th minute before Awoniyi sealed the points late on. Their resurgence comes at a delicate time for new signing Lorenzo Lucca; the Italian may now find it increasingly difficult to break into the starting XI in the months ahead. However, as Dyche has often noted, healthy competition for places is a luxury rather than a burden during the heat of a relegation scrap.
Despite the recent addition of Lucca, the Forest hierarchy remains active in the market, targeting several high-profile reinforcements to further solidify the first-team ranks. Over the past 48 hours, speculation has intensified regarding a potential move for Crystal Palace talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta. While many supporters initially questioned the validity of these links—citing the recent friction between the two clubs following Palace’s European exit—it was confirmed yesterday that Forest has submitted a formal £35m bid for the Frenchman.
Reports indicate that personal terms are unlikely to be an obstacle, with Mateta reportedly open to the move. However, the deal’s success may ultimately rest on Oliver Glasner’s ability to secure a replacement, as the Eagles are hesitant to sanction the departure of the 28-year-old without a new goalscorer arriving at Selhurst Park.
Mateta is not the only Serie A-linked star on the club’s radar. Napoli’s Mathias Olivera has emerged as a primary target to bolster the left-back position before the transfer window slams shut. According to journalist Marco Conterio, the Reds are prepared to offer £18m for the Uruguayan international, who has found starting opportunities limited under Antonio Conte this season. While it remains to be seen if the Italian giants will accept the offer, Napoli is reportedly already scouting potential replacements in anticipation of a deal.
Why Olivera Could Be the Catalyst for Mateta
Prior to the goals from Jesus and Awoniyi on Sunday, Forest had been enduring a significant scoring crisis. In fact, before this weekend, the last time a recognized center-forward had found the net was Arnaud Kalimuendo’s strike against Utrecht back in early December. While Lucca adds a different dimension, a proven Premier League commodity like Mateta is exactly what Dyche craves to lead the line.
The Frenchman’s pedigree is well-documented, having netted 14 goals last term and eight already in the current 2025/26 campaign. His physical presence and clinical finishing could thrive at the City Ground, provided he receives the right delivery. This is where Mathias Olivera enters the frame as a potentially transformative signing.
Despite limited starts for Napoli this season, Olivera’s underlying statistics are remarkable. Dubbed “incredible” by scouts and analysts alike, the 28-year-old has completed a staggering 80% of his attempted crosses and maintains an 87% passing accuracy. These figures suggest that Olivera possesses the technical quality to provide the “ammunition” Mateta needs to hit the ground running.
Furthermore, Olivera’s offensive contributions—averaging 0.9 chances created per 90 minutes—are balanced by a fierce defensive work rate. His averages of 2.9 tackles won and 1.1 interceptions per game highlight a player who fits the tactical profile of a Sean Dyche team perfectly. While there are no guarantees in the transfer market, the dual acquisition of Mateta and Olivera would represent a significant statement of intent from owner Evangelos Marinakis. Should these deals cross the line, the combined experience and quality could be the final piece of the puzzle that pulls Nottingham Forest clear of the relegation threat once and for all.
| Mathias Olivera – Serie A stats (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Tally |
| Games played | 12 |
| Minutes played | 593 |
| Pass accuracy | 87% |
| Cross accuracy | 80% |
| Dribbles completed | 33% |
| Tackles won | 2.9 |
| Duels won | 66% |
| Aerials won | 56% |
