Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor is one of the best young defenders in Europe and Nottingham Forest’s interest in him could be growing.
The Bergamo club signed the youngster from Genoa last summer. They paid a package worth €20m for him, despite Ahanor having played limited first-team football in the 2024/25 campaign.
The risk has paid off. The 18-year-old has played 33 times in all competitions this season, including appearances in the Champions League. His versatility has shined through, with Ahanor showcasing reliable ability on the ball in a possession-based system.
Back in November, Sport Witness covered Nottingham Forest’s interest in the talent. The possible move was at an initial stage and since then, Ahanor has only become a better player.
With that, English interest in him is now growing.
Tug of war possible
TuttoAtalanta describe the teenager as someone who plays like a veteran at only 18. They hail La Dea’s intuition in sensing the opportunity to sign him in the summer but Ahanor’s value has now grown far more than expected.
This is why ‘wallets are bulging’ for major clubs across Europe. It is Premier League clubs – possibly like Nottingham Forest, that are monitoring the defender closely.
There could be a tug-of-war ‘involving millions’ in the future, with clubs ready to spend big.
Ahanor is currently keen on staying in Bergamo. He is comfortable with the project under incoming sporting director Cristiano Guintoli, who can make the ex-Genoa player the centre of the team in the coming years.
This doesn’t mean an exit is out of the question. If clubs pay the right amount, Ahanor will be sold.
Ahanor will improve further
Usually, clubs don’t spend big unless a player has massive potential or has world class quality. Ahanor probably falls in the first category, which is why he was one of Atalanta’s biggest signings last summer.
The Italian side know he is heading for the top. Knowing how they are a selling club, there will be a point when Ahanor will leave the club.
Nottingham Forest might get out-priced if his progress continues, which makes this summer a good opportunity to explore a deal. Ahanor’s value has risen but he would still be affordable for the Midlands club.
