Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign Celta Vigo right-back Javi Rueda for €15m (£12.8m), which would likely conclude their summer transfer activity. The 24-year-old former Real Madrid academy player fits the profile sought by manager Oliver Glasner for the right wing-back position.
The move comes as Axel Disasi joins Crystal Palace on loan, and Brentford finalizes a deal for El Hadji Malick Diouf. Forest have already secured Liam Delap from Chelsea earlier in the window.
KEY FACTS
- Nottingham Forest are negotiating a €15m (£12.8m) deal for Celta Vigo’s Javi Rueda.
- The 24-year-old right-back is a former Real Madrid academy player.
- This would likely be Forest’s final incoming transfer of the summer window.
- Oliver Glasner wants a player who can operate as a right wing-back.
- Axel Disasi has joined Crystal Palace on loan as part of squad reshuffling.
Why Forest want Javi Rueda
Oliver Glasner has been particularly focused on strengthening the right wing-back position – a crucial role in his tactical system. Rueda’s background at Real Madrid’s academy indicates strong technical fundamentals, while his age (24) suggests he’s entering his prime years for development. The €15m fee would represent a significant but not extravagant investment for a Premier League side.
What does this mean for Forest’s squad?
If completed, the Rueda signing would conclude a summer that has seen Forest address multiple positions. The loan departure of Axel Disasi created space for another defensive addition, while the earlier acquisition of Liam Delap from Chelsea bolstered attacking options. Manager Glasner appears to be reshaping the squad to fit his preferred system, with specialized wing-backs being particularly important in his approach.
WHAT WE KNOW — AND WHAT WE DON’T
Verified by the source:
- Active negotiations between Nottingham Forest and Celta Vigo for Javi Rueda
- €15m (£12.8m) valuation of the potential transfer
- Rueda’s background at Real Madrid’s academy
- This would likely conclude Forest’s summer business
Still unconfirmed:
- Exact structure of the potential deal (upfront payment vs. installments)
- Personal terms agreement with the player
- Whether other clubs remain interested in Rueda
- Potential replacement plans at Celta Vigo
WHY IT MATTERS
For Nottingham Forest, securing the right personnel in specialized positions could mean the difference between struggling and thriving in the Premier League. Wing-backs have become increasingly important in modern systems, requiring both defensive solidity and attacking contribution. A successful acquisition of Rueda would complete Glasner’s summer rebuild ahead of the new season.
WHAT TO WATCH
The progress of negotiations between Forest and Celta Vigo in the coming days will determine whether this deal reaches completion before the transfer deadline. Movement on personal terms and medical arrangements would indicate advancing likelihood of finalization.