Nottingham Forest appear better placed to act quickly for Nobel Mendy, with fresh reporting from Portugal suggesting rivals are not yet in a position to move.
Interest in the 21-year-old centre-back first emerged in Spain, where we covered reports that Forest, Benfica and Atalanta were all keen and prepared to submit strong offers. That framed a competitive race on paper.
However, coverage from Portuguese newspaper Record now adds important context – particularly around Benfica’s position. And it’s good news for Nottingham Forest.
Benfica not ready to act yet
According to Record, Nobel Mendy has been monitored by Benfica for some time. Despite that, there has been no proposal so far. And the reason is structural rather than financial.
Benfica’s next move in the centre-back market depends on the futures of Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva. Both could leave this summer, and only once that situation is resolved will the club decide whether to advance for Mendy.
That effectively puts their interest on hold.
This is a key detail that was not clear in the initial reporting from Spain. While Benfica are firmly in the race, they are not currently in a position to accelerate it.
Forest ready to move first?
Of course, that creates a clear contrast with Nottingham Forest. The Premier League side were already described in Spain as prepared to submit a high offer, and unlike Benfica, there are no internal conditions currently slowing them down.
Forest do not appear to be waiting on exits or contract resolutions before making a move in this position. In practical terms, that could allow them to engage earlier with Rayo Vallecano, who are expected to make Mendy’s deal permanent from Real Betis for €2.4m (£2.1m).
If Forest choose to act quickly, they may be negotiating before other interested clubs are fully ready to enter the race.
What happens next
The Spanish reports suggested a three-way tussle. The Portuguese press now paints a more nuanced picture.
Forest’s willingness to move with a concrete offer could give them an early advantage. Benfica, meanwhile, are waiting on internal decisions, which introduces delay.
In the meanwhile, Nobel Mendy has done enough to attract sustained attention. He has featured regularly for Rayo Vallecano this season and recently earned his first senior cap for Senegal in March.
Even so, his role is not fully locked in. He was recently left on the bench in the UEFA Conference League semifinal 1-0 win against Strasbourg. He is still developing after all.
So if timing proves decisive, Nottingham Forest may have a clearer path than first expected when the interest initially surfaced.
