Nottingham Forest are wasting no time preparing for a crucial summer, even as their Premier League survival remains undecided. With just a handful of matches left and a slim cushion above the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy is balancing short-term urgency with long-term planning.
Manager Vitor Pereira and the recruitment team are already identifying targets who could elevate the squad—provided they secure their top-flight status. One name now emerging prominently is Mathías Olivera, a two-time Serie A champion currently playing for SSC Napoli.
Olivera Open to Premier League Switch
Reports suggest that Olivera would be open to joining Forest this summer—but only if the club avoids relegation. The Uruguay international has built a solid reputation across both Serie A and La Liga, combining defensive reliability with attacking support from the left flank.
Forest had previously explored a deal for Olivera during the January transfer window but ultimately opted to sign Luca Netz instead. Despite that, interest in the Napoli defender has not faded. In fact, the club is believed to still be actively pursuing the 26-year-old as a priority option to strengthen their defense.
A Deal That Won’t Come Cheap
Securing Olivera’s signature, however, won’t be straightforward. With several years remaining on his contract at Napoli, the Italian side is under no pressure to sell. That means Forest would likely have to meet a significant asking price to finalize any deal.
There’s also the question of adaptation. While Olivera has proven himself in Europe’s top leagues, the pace and physicality of English football present a different challenge. A transition period would be expected if he were to make the move to the City Ground.
Still, his experience at the highest level—including title-winning campaigns—makes him an attractive option for a Forest side looking to stabilize and grow.
Familiar Connections Could Help
An interesting subplot in this potential transfer involves Lorenzo Lucca, Olivera’s Napoli teammate who has spent time with Forest. While Lucca is expected to return to Napoli at the end of his loan spell, his presence could play a role in facilitating early discussions or influencing the player’s decision.
Survival First, Then Ambition
Ultimately, everything hinges on whether Forest can retain their Premier League status. Survival would not only secure financial stability but also significantly boost their appeal to players like Olivera.
For now, the club remains focused on finishing the season strongly. But behind the scenes, plans are already taking shape—plans that could see a proven Serie A winner arrive in Nottingham as part of a broader rebuild.
If Forest do stay up, this is exactly the kind of statement signing that could signal a shift from survival mode to genuine progression.
