Nottingham Forest came close to securing Abdoulaye Agbejoye’s services in the summer window and their failure to complete the signing allowed Stade de Reims to swoop in.
The 18-year-old’s development at Grassrunners FC and his potential attracted interest from a few European clubs. Nottingham Forest were among them.
Last season, the striker starred for the Nigerian club, scoring 19 goals from 19 matches, and is likened to Manchester City Erling Haaland.
This had helped him make a debut for Nigeria U20 against Togo U20 in July. He scored on his debut and that has been his only appearance.
Nottingham Forest had shown a keen interest in acquiring the youngster’s services. Towards the end of August, the Premier League side reportedly made concrete advances.
Why Nottingham Forest failed to sign striker
On August 27th, the Reds completed the signing of Liam Delap from Chelsea, and he was the only striker to arrive in the summer.
Two days prior, Sport Witness covered a report from Nigeria explaining that Abdoulaye Agbejoye’s move to Nottingham Forest was imminent.
At that time, the Reds were ahead of Bayer Leverkusen and unnamed clubs from France and Sweden. The City Ground club missed out, and the player moved to Stade de Reims.
Grassrunners FC owner Olugbenga Agbejoye has given an interview to Footy-Africa and explained why Agbejoye’s move to Oliver Glasner’s side didn’t go through.
He revealed an ‘agreement was almost done’ with Nottingham Forest. They had to pull out because the teenager wasn’t eligible to obtain a work permit to play in the UK.
One game short for Nottingham Forest move
Footy-Africa haven’t relayed Olugbenga Agbejoye’s comments, and reports the player was one international appearance short of meeting the requirements.
Abdoulaye Agbejoye and his camp rejected an opportunity to move to Germany. They preferred France as the best option for his development. The Grassrunners FC owner also shares the same view.
“We believe Stade de Reims will give him the right environment to develop without the big pressure and demands,” he said.
The Nigeria U20 international is now part of Reims Révélations (reserve team) and will continue his development in France. Should he showcase his qualities, Nottingham Forest or another Premier League side could consider signing him in the future.
