Nottingham Forest is reportedly closing in on a potential transfer deal for Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz, a versatile 25-year-old attacker who has expressed his desire to play in the Premier League. The Reds have been linked with Yilmaz for some time, and recent developments suggest that a move may be imminent.
In a recent interview with Turkish publication Sporx, Yilmaz addressed speculation about his future, stating, “I also want to play in Europe… Hopefully, it will come true one day.” When asked about playing in England, he added, “Because of my speed, the fans think I can play in England. Hopefully, it will come true one day.”
Galatasaray is said to be looking for a minimum of €30m (£25m) for Yilmaz, who is under contract until 2027. Nottingham Forest’s interest in the player is driven by the need to strengthen their attacking options, with head coach Nuno Espírito Santo requiring sufficient depth to compete in multiple fronts, including the UEFA Conference League.
West Ham United has also been credited with interest in Yilmaz, but Nottingham Forest remains a strong contender for the player’s signature. With the transfer window set to open on June 1, the Reds may make a move for Yilmaz in the coming weeks.
The timing of the transfer window is worth noting, as it will open on June 1 and initially close on June 10. It will then reopen on June 16 and remain open until September 1. This unusual schedule is due to the FIFA Club World Cup.
If Nottingham Forest does secure Yilmaz’s signature, it would be a significant boost to their attacking lineup. The player’s versatility and speed would provide Espírito Santo with more options and flexibility in his team selection.
Yilmaz’s current form and performances for Galatasaray have certainly caught the attention of several top clubs, and it will be interesting to see which team ultimately secures his services. For now, Nottingham Forest remains a strong contender, and fans will be eagerly awaiting developments in the coming weeks.
