Nottingham Forest’s transfer strategy, particularly when it comes to signing South American talent, has been one of the cornerstones of their post-promotion success. Since their return to the Premier League, the club has demonstrated a keen eye for young, promising players from Brazil and other South American nations, tapping into an often-underexplored market. While other Premier League clubs have focused on more traditional markets like Europe, Forest have made bold moves to recruit players who can add both quality and value, with some of these signings proving to be highly profitable investments. The likes of Murillo and Danilo have already made a significant impact, and the club seems committed to continuing this approach as they look to solidify their position in the Premier League.
Success Stories from South America: How Forest Are Winning the Transfer Market
Murillo: A Rising Star
One of the standout figures from Forest’s South American recruitment is Murillo, the Brazilian defender who has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s defense. Murillo’s rise at Forest has been nothing short of meteoric. In his debut season, he won the coveted Player of the Year award, a remarkable achievement considering the high caliber of competition within the Premier League. His first season in England was exceptional, and his form carried over into the 2024/25 campaign, where he continued to impress with his composure, leadership, and defensive intelligence.
Murillo’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with many of Europe’s elite clubs now reportedly keeping a close eye on him. Interestingly, Manchester City, a club renowned for its scouting acumen, passed on Murillo before Forest swooped in to secure his signature. This has led to widespread speculation about how top clubs in Europe missed out on a player who has quickly proven himself as one of the top young defenders in the league. Given the level of interest in Murillo, Forest may soon find themselves in the position to make a significant profit if they choose to sell him in the future, further validating their investment strategy in South American talent.
Murillo’s story is a clear example of how Forest’s transfer strategy is paying off. The club has not only managed to sign talented players at the right moment, but they’ve also succeeded in maximizing the value of these players, whether through their performances on the pitch or their potential resale value. This model seems to be working, and Forest are likely to continue targeting young, promising South American players in the coming transfer windows.
Danilo: Another Brazilian Success
Another key player who embodies Forest’s successful recruitment strategy is Danilo, a talented Brazilian midfielder who joined from Palmeiras for £16 million. Danilo’s arrival in January 2023 was a pivotal moment for Forest, as he provided much-needed stability and creativity in the midfield, contributing significantly to the team’s survival in the Premier League during the 2022/23 season. His blend of technical ability, work rate, and vision made him an instant fan favorite, and he quickly became one of the team’s most influential players.
Now, as Danilo is set to join Lyon, Forest will likely make a small profit on the £16 million they spent on him, a testament to their ability to identify talent early and extract value from their investments. The impending sale of Danilo, while a loss for the team in terms of talent, also highlights the club’s growing reputation for making shrewd moves in the transfer market. Selling him for a profit demonstrates Forest’s ability to not only develop players but also manage their assets effectively. With their eyes already set on reinvesting in the squad, Forest will look to replace Danilo with another player who can provide similar impact, ensuring that the team’s midfield continues to be a strength.
The Latest Target: Richard Rios (Palmeiras)
The latest South American talent to capture Nottingham Forest’s attention is Richard Rios, a dynamic 25-year-old defensive midfielder currently playing for Brazilian giants Palmeiras. Rios has been in impressive form for Palmeiras in 2025, earning recognition for his performances both domestically and on the international stage. He has been a key figure in the team’s midfield, contributing defensively as well as in build-up play.
Playing Style: A Tactical Enforcer
Rios is primarily known for his role as a midfield enforcer. He is the type of player who thrives in breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the defense. His natural positioning, ability to intercept passes, and leadership in the middle of the park have made him an integral part of Palmeiras’ success. In many ways, Rios fits the mold of the classic defensive midfielder—a player whose primary role is to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm, recover the ball, and provide a platform for his team to launch counter-attacks.
What sets Rios apart is his versatility. While he is primarily a destroyer in midfield, he also has the technical ability to progress the ball and contribute to his team’s attacking transitions. His passing range, while not his primary strength, is strong enough to break through opposition lines and provide outlets for his teammates higher up the field. His balance of defensive solidity and technical proficiency makes him an ideal candidate for Forest, especially given their current midfield needs.
Performance in the Club World Cup
Rios’ recent performance in the Club World Cup against Benfica served as another reminder of his growing reputation. Despite Palmeiras failing to secure a win in their opener, Rios’ performance was solid, as he played for 87 minutes and showcased his resilience and ability to cope with the physicality of top European opposition. His display in such a high-profile international competition will only increase his appeal to European clubs, with many now seeing him as a potential target for the coming transfer window.
The Club World Cup is an important event for players hoping to make the leap to European football, as it offers an opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage. Rios has seized this opportunity, and his performances could very well lead to interest from other Premier League clubs as well as top sides across Europe.
Midfield Depth at Nottingham Forest: A Growing Concern
Nottingham Forest’s midfield depth has been a topic of concern in recent seasons, and the injury to Nicolas Dominguez has further highlighted the need for reinforcement. Dominguez, who was expected to be a key figure in the midfield, is set to miss the start of pre-season, leaving Forest with a thinner pool of options in the center of the park. While Ibrahim Sangaré, Ryan Yates, and Elliot Anderson all offer different qualities, none of them are natural holding midfielders, and this gap in the squad has left Forest vulnerable in certain areas.
Current Midfield Options: Strengths and Weaknesses
Ibrahim Sangaré: A powerful, box-to-box midfielder with excellent defensive attributes, Sangaré can win the ball back and drive it forward. However, his tendency to push forward means that he often leaves gaps defensively, making him more suited to a box-to-box role rather than a pure defensive midfield position.
Ryan Yates: Known for his boundless energy and work rate, Yates has proven himself as a reliable player for Forest. However, his technical ability is not on the same level as some of the Premier League’s top midfielders, and while he offers tenacity, he often lacks the composure needed in high-pressure situations.
Elliot Anderson: A more creative midfielder, Anderson’s strengths lie in his ability to dribble, pick out key passes, and create attacking opportunities. While he has the flair and skill to be an effective player in the final third, his defensive capabilities are not as strong as Forest may need, especially in a deep-lying role.
Given the absence of a true defensive midfielder in this group, adding a player like Richard Rios could prove to be the perfect solution. His physicality, ball-winning ability, and positional awareness would provide the balance that Forest’s midfield currently lacks. Rios would be able to sit in front of the defense, shield the backline, and allow the more creative players to flourish without the constant pressure of tracking back and defending.
The Market for Rios: A Competitive Race
Rios has a reported release clause of £85 million, but it is unlikely that Palmeiras will demand the full amount. The release clause serves as a starting point for negotiations, highlighting how highly rated Rios is within Brazilian football. While Palmeiras would likely be willing to sell him for a lower fee, it’s expected that several top clubs in Europe will be involved in the race to secure his signature, making the situation more competitive for Forest.
For Forest, acting quickly will be key. With their established track record of signing young South American players, they will need to move fast to convince Rios and his representatives that a move to the Premier League with Forest is the best next step in his career. If they can secure a deal for Rios, it will represent yet another success in their recruitment strategy, further strengthening the squad and continuing the club’s growth in English football.
Conclusion: Rios as the Perfect Fit for Forest
In conclusion, Richard Rios offers everything that Nottingham Forest need in their midfield: a natural defensive midfielder with excellent ball-winning ability, tactical awareness, and the technical skill to contribute to both defensive and offensive play. With Danilo leaving the club, Forest will need to replace him with a player of similar quality, and Rios seems like the perfect fit. Not only would he provide the defensive stability that the team craves, but he would also add depth and balance to the squad.
Given Forest’s track record of successful South American signings, there is every reason to believe that Rios could be the next player to make a significant impact at the City Ground. However, the competition for his signature will be fierce, and Forest must act quickly and decisively if they are to secure his services. With the right moves in the transfer market, Nottingham Forest could once again prove that their scouting system and recruitment strategy can identify and develop talent that helps them remain competitive in the Premier League.