Nottingham Forest have identified Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey as their top target this summer, according to The Telegraph. The move comes after Tottenham Hotspur triggered the £60 million release clause in Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract, leaving Forest with a significant void to fill in their attack.
Ramsey, a 24-year-old Birmingham-born midfielder, has made 174 appearances for Villa after coming through the club’s academy setup. He still has two years left on his contract and is highly rated by manager Unai Emery. However, with Villa facing financial constraints, selling Ramsey could help balance the books, and he represents “pure profit” from a PSR perspective.
The versatile attacker can operate as a number ten or on the left flank, making him a shrewd addition to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side next season. Ramsey brings vast top-level experience, having been a Premier League regular at Villa for the last five seasons and making ten appearances in last year’s Champions League.
With Forest likely to lose Gibbs-White and having already sold Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, Ramsey’s technical ability, vision, work rate, and link-up play could make him an excellent replacement. He also has an eye for goal, scoring six league goals in both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
Forest’s pursuit of Ramsey would be a clever move, especially if they are unable to keep Gibbs-White. The Tricky Trees will need to replace the creativity, directness, and goal threat of their departing attackers, and Ramsey’s skills and experience make him an attractive target. With Forest set to play European football for the first time in 30 years next season, they will need to strengthen their squad to compete at the highest level.
