‘This makes sense’ – Nottingham Forest turn to 27-year-old to solve problem position: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict’ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more

Nottingham Forest are keen on signing Genk left-back Milad Mohammadi, according to Football Insider.

The Reds are in need of a new left-back ahead of the new season, with Jayden Richardson and Loic Mbe Soh both having to fill in there in pre-season.

Tyler Blackett is currently out injured, whilst Gaetan Bong is in the bomb squad. Yuri Ribeiro was released at the end of last season, and Nicholas Ioannou has joined Como on loan.

Mohammadi, then, has emerged as a target for the Reds, with the Iran international wanted out the door by Genk.

The 27-year-old has made 65 appearances for Genk and 37 appearances for Iran, and is out of contract at the end of next season.

According to Football Insider, West Brom, Forest and Watford are all keen to sign the left-back this summer.

Here, we discuss Forest’s interest in the defender…

Ned Holmes

A new left-back needs to be a top priority for Forest and Milad Mohammadi certainly looks like a strong option.

He proved last year at Genk that he was both a solid defender and a useful asset in the final third, finishing the season with a goal and five assists from his 29 appearances.

Following the departures of both Yuri Ribeiro and Nicholas Ioannou, and the injury to Tyler Blackett, Gaetan Bong is the only option at left-back and there’s little to suggest he is the right man for the job.

With that in mind, this could prove a very smart bit of business – particularly given his contract situation.

Billy Mulley

There is no denying that Forest need a left-back before the season starts, and Milad Mohammadi provides a competent enough option, but he is not an exciting potential addition.

It seems that Forest are now going down the list of options after having their priority targets quashed. Josh Doig is now attracting interest from a higher level, whilst it remains to be seen whether Lee Buchanan’s injury will stop the Midlands club’s interest.

Despite it not being the best signing they could make, Mohammadi is still a good option for now. He has electric pace to support attacking moves and he also has the versatility to slot into a variety of roles if required.

If Forest do pursue a deal for Mohammadi, it is essential that their left-back pursuit does not stop there. They need to continue targeting young, promising left-backs who can grow with the club and their Premier League ambitions.

Quiz: Can you remember the score from Nottingham Forest’s last 15 opening day matches?

1 of 15

QPR (A) - 2020/21

1-0 loss

2-0 loss

2-1 loss

3-1 loss

Jacob Potter

Additional options at left-back are certainly needed, so this makes sense.

With Yuri Ribeiro leaving the City Ground over the summer, and Gaetan Bong being told he can leave, it’s good to see the club making their move for another defender, as it’s an area that needs addressing.

Mohammadi has caught the eye with some strong performances whilst with Belgian side Genk, and he could be a solid option for Chris Hughton’s side.

At the age of 27, he’s got the experience needed at senior level, and given that he’s featured regularly for the Iranian national team, I like the sound of this potential deal.

Forest face a real battle to land his signature though, with West Brom also believed to be keen on signing Mohammadi, so the Reds will have to offer him regular minutes in their starting XI if they’re to beat the Baggies to signing the full-back.