Nottingham Forest to try and reach ‘definitive agreement’ for signing in the coming days.
Nottingham Forest are expected to be active in the transfer market as Vitor Pereira looks to build upon a solid end to the 2025/2026 season. Following the club’s successful battle for Premier League survival, owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to be preparing to back Pereira with significant investment. Several targets have already been linked with the Reds over the past week, signalling a clear intent to strengthen the squad and avoid another relegation scrap.
One of the most prominent recent names is Galatasaray’s Roland Sallai. Multiple reports suggest Forest are exploring a move for the Hungary international as they look to add quality and versatility to their wide attacking options. The 28-year-old has impressed with his direct running, technical ability, and goal contributions in Turkey, making him an attractive proposition for Pereira’s system that relies on dynamic movement in the final third.
Forest have also been linked with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, a player admired by several Premier League clubs. Everton are currently believed to lead the race for the England youth international, but Forest remain monitoring the situation. Pereira is keen to add more attacking flair and midfield control, while Marinakis is reportedly ready to support the Portuguese manager with the signing of at least one new striker to provide competition and depth up front.
The club’s hierarchy is determined to learn from past seasons. Rather than waiting until the final weeks of the window to scramble for survival, Forest want to build a more competitive squad capable of pushing toward mid-table or better.
Nottingham Forest to meet Roma in coming days over Jan Ziolkowski
According to SportMediaset, Forest are pushing to sign Roma defender Jan Ziolkowski and are expected to meet with the Italian club in the coming days in an effort to reach a ‘definitive agreement’.
The report claims there remains a gap between Roma’s valuation and Forest’s current offer. Italian sources suggest Forest are willing to offer around €15 million (£12.7 million), while Roma are seeking closer to €20 million (£17 million). That leaves a difference of approximately €5 million (£4.2 million), but negotiations are continuing and there is optimism that discussions could advance quickly.
The financial context behind the potential deal is particularly important. Roma are reportedly under pressure to generate significant capital gains before the end of June to satisfy financial commitments agreed with UEFA. As a result, several players have been linked with exits from the Stadio Olimpico, including Matias Soule to Aston Villa. Ziolkowski is viewed as one of the club’s most realistic for-sale candidates.
That situation could strengthen Forest’s negotiating position. Instead of dealing with a club determined to keep the player at all costs, the Premier League side are engaging with a club that may need to complete sales before a looming financial deadline. Roma are still holding firm on their valuation, but the incentive to find a solution is clear if an acceptable offer materialises.
Ziolkowski only joined Roma from Legia Warsaw in August 2025 in a deal worth around £5 million plus add-ons. The young Polish defender remains highly regarded despite limited starts during his debut season in Serie A. His performances in limited minutes, particularly in cup competitions, have shown glimpses of high potential. Forest’s scouting team are convinced he possesses the physical attributes, tactical intelligence, and mentality required to succeed in the Premier League.
Profile of a promising talent
At just 20 years old, Jan Ziolkowski stands at 6ft 3in and combines excellent aerial ability with surprising pace for a centre-back. His reading of the game and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to some of the more technical defenders emerging from Eastern Europe in recent years. During his time at Legia Warsaw, he quickly established himself as a starter in the Ekstraklasa, helping the club secure domestic honours and perform impressively in European competitions.
Upon arriving in Rome, adaptation to a new league and tactical system took time. However, coaches at Roma have praised his professionalism and rapid learning curve. In 18 appearances across all competitions in 2025/26, he averaged 1.8 aerial duels won per game and maintained a strong pass completion rate above 88%. These statistics highlight his ability to contribute both defensively and in build-up play – qualities that align perfectly with Vitor Pereira’s preference for defenders comfortable in possession.
For Pereira, the pursuit of Ziolkowski makes complete strategic sense. Although Forest’s defensive record showed marked improvement after the Portuguese coach’s arrival midway through the season, the squad still lacks sufficient depth and competition at centre-back. Current options such as Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic performed admirably, but injuries or suspensions exposed vulnerabilities. Adding a young, hungry talent like Ziolkowski would provide both immediate squad strengthening and long-term value as he continues to develop.
The move would also fit Forest’s recruitment strategy of targeting undervalued or underutilised talents from top European leagues. Similar to previous successful signings, the club aims to acquire players with resale potential while addressing pressing squad needs. At 20, Ziolkowski represents excellent value if the deal can be concluded within the current valuation range.
Forest’s defensive needs and Pereira’s vision
Vitor Pereira’s arrival brought tactical discipline and organisation to the City Ground. The team conceded fewer goals in the final months of the campaign, thanks in large part to a more structured defensive shape. However, analysts have pointed out that the squad remains thin in central defence. With European football still a distant ambition rather than a realistic target, Forest must first ensure Premier League stability before pushing higher.
Signing Ziolkowski would allow Pereira to rotate his centre-backs more effectively, reducing fatigue and injury risk over a demanding 38-game season. The young Pole’s versatility – capable of playing in a back three or back four – adds further tactical flexibility. Pereira has previously worked with young defenders in Portugal and China, nurturing them into first-team regulars, and many expect him to do the same with Ziolkowski.
Beyond the pitch, the signing would also send a positive message to fans. After years of turbulence, Nottingham Forest supporters are eager to see the club invest sensibly and build for the future. A high-profile move for a promising international youth player like Ziolkowski (who has featured for Poland’s U21 side) would generate excitement during the summer transfer window.
Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days. Forest’s transfer committee, led by key figures close to Marinakis, will travel to Italy or conduct talks virtually to bridge the remaining financial gap. Roma’s need to sell could prove decisive, especially if other clubs begin to circle. While no official bid has yet been accepted, sources close to the negotiations suggest both parties are motivated to find common ground.
Should the deal go through, Ziolkowski would become Forest’s first major signing of the summer window. His arrival would likely be followed by further reinforcements in attack and midfield, as Pereira continues reshaping the squad in his image.
The coming weeks will be critical for Nottingham Forest. With the Premier League’s financial demands increasing and competition for survival as fierce as ever, proactive recruitment could make the difference between another nervous season and one of genuine progress. Jan Ziolkowski represents more than just another defender – he symbolises the club’s ambition to evolve and establish itself as a stable top-flight side.
Whether the talks in Italy produce a definitive agreement remains to be seen, but the signals are positive. Forest fans will be watching developments closely as the transfer window begins to heat up.
