Nottingham Forest transfer news: Ibrahim Sangare rejects move to Ligue 1 club?

In September 2023, the East Midlands outfit were the surprise winners in the race to sign the Ivory Coast international from PSV Eindhoven in a £30m deal.

Since then, though, the 27-year-old is yet to live up to his potential, being restricted to 16 starts and four substitute outings in the Premier League.

Sangare's last appearance for Forest came all the way back in August, a consequence of sustaining a hamstring injury, but the hope is that he will soon be available for selection.

According to Foot Mercato, Rennes have started to monitor the situation as they consider how to strengthen their squad before the February 3 deadline.

Sangare staying put?

Sangare is allegedly one of several players that have been identified by Jorge Sampaoli as potential additions in the engine room.

Nevertheless, the report claims that Sangare would prefer to remain at the City Ground rather than entertain a switch at the midway point of the campaign.

He is no stranger to having played in France's top flight in the past having represented Toulouse between 2016 and 2020.

While Sangare was seemingly viewed as an 'attractive prospect' by Rennes officials, they are said to have moved onto other targets.

Rennes have endured a poor season so far, recording just five wins from 17 games and sitting in 14th position in the standings.

Will Nuno use Sangare on a regular basis?

The fact that Sangare started the first three Premier League fixtures of the season highlights that he is highly-regarded by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

On the flip side, though, Forest have been transformed into potential Champions League participants during the four-and-a-half months that Sangare has been sidelined.

Ryan Yates, Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez are all deemed ahead of Sangare in the pecking order, with James Ward-Prowse also waiting in the wings.

That said, opportunities could come in the FA Cup, while Sangare may already be looking ahead to possible European football during the 2025-26 campaign.

Written by

Darren Plant