Nottingham Forest have made some shrewd signings in recent transfer windows, but one deal that Stuart Pearce wanted to complete never came to fruition.
A major factor behind Forest’s European push this season has been the impact of several key signings from Evangelos Marinakis, including Nikola Milenkovic, who arrived from Fiorentina.
Milenkovic, who cost £13m, has become a central figure in Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence, starting 23 Premier League games alongside Murillo, who himself was another affordable acquisition.
Murillo, signed from Corinthians, was quickly dubbed a bargain by Jamie Redknapp after only his second Premier League appearance. The duo, now compared to Arsenal’s top defence, have helped Forest become one of the strongest defensive teams in the league.
The modest fees paid for these players only heighten the appreciation Forest’s owner has for them. However, for fans with long memories, thoughts may drift back over a decade to another potential bargain that Forest legend Pearce wanted to complete, but which never happened.
In 2014, Stuart Pearce sought to sign Scottish striker Che Adams for just £20,000.
With Taiwo Awoniyi currently the sole alternative to Chris Wood, it’s tempting to imagine what could have been had Forest secured a more prolific striker in years past. One such player was Che Adams, whom Pearce was eager to bring to the City Ground during his time as manager.
Reflecting on the missed opportunity in an interview with The Athletic, Pearce said: “With Adams, you were talking about £20,000. Clubs like Forest should be snapping up young talent like that.”
It’s tough to disagree with Pearce, as Sheffield United ultimately signed Adams, and he went on to score 12 goals in League One before moving to Birmingham City, where he shone in the Championship.
Adams then had a steady Premier League career with Southampton before making the move to Torino, where his market value has soared—far beyond the £20k Forest could have paid.
Che Adams’ Value Today
Fawaz Al Hasawi, Forest’s then-owner, rejected Pearce’s attempt to sign Adams, a decision that now seems especially misguided, given the forward’s current worth.
According to Transfermarkt, Adams is now valued at £12.5m at Torino—over 600 times the £20k Pearce wanted to pay in 2014. His impressive Serie A performances demonstrate why he’s worth so much more now.
This season, Adams has scored 7 goals, provided 2 assists, created 21 chances, made 35 recoveries, and won possession 8 times in the final third.
While it’s unlikely that Adams would have been part of Espirito Santo’s squad had he been signed in 2014, it’s hard not to look back with a sense of regret, considering how much of a steal he could have been for Forest.
Nottingham Forest said no to signing striker Stuart Pearce wanted for £20k, now he’s worth over 600x more
