The Financial Loophole: How AFCON Saved Forest Millions
When Ibrahim Sangaré made his high-profile €35 million move from PSV Eindhoven to the City Ground in September 2023, the deal was lauded as a major coup. However, like most modern transfers, it was laced with “add-ons”—performance-related bonuses that would require Forest to pay PSV more money if certain conditions were met.
The Appearance Clause
One specific clause in the contract stated that Forest would owe PSV an additional significant bonus if:
- The club maintained its Premier League status.
- Sangaré reached a specific appearance threshold (reportedly around 25–30 league starts in a single season).
The “stroke of luck” comes from the timing of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Because Sangaré has been a pivotal part of the Ivory Coast squad, he has been absent from Nottingham for over a month.
PSV’s Managing Director, Marcel Brands, recently admitted on Dutch television that PSV likely “failed to consider” the impact of AFCON when negotiating the deal. Because Sangaré has missed a critical block of Premier League fixtures, he is now mathematically unlikely to reach the appearance target required to trigger the bonus. For Forest—a club that has navigated tight Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in recent years—this unintentional saving is being viewed as a massive “stroke of luck.”
The Return of the King: Sangaré’s Impact Under Sean Dyche
While the accountants at the City Ground celebrate the saved bonus, the coaching staff is celebrating a different kind of luck: Sangaré’s imminent return.
Following the Ivory Coast’s elimination from the tournament, Sangaré is traveling back to Nottingham this week. His return couldn’t be better timed for manager Sean Dyche.
1. A Tactical Resurgence
Before leaving for AFCON, Sangaré was arguably playing the best football of his Forest career. After a difficult first season characterized by injuries and adaptation, he has flourished under Dyche’s more structured, physical midfield.
- The “Sweetest Strike”: In December 2025, Sangaré won the club’s goal of the month award for a stunning 25-yard thunderbolt against Tottenham.
- The Partnership: He has formed a formidable “double pivot” with Douglas Luiz, providing a shield for the back four that has helped Forest climb away from the relegation zone.
2. Physicality and Presence
Sangaré’s statistics this season highlight why he is indispensable. He ranks in the top 5% of Premier League midfielders for:
- Aerial Duels Won: His 6’3″ frame is vital for Dyche’s set-piece dominance.
- Interceptions: His ability to read the game and “snuff out” counter-attacks.
- Ball Progression: Despite being a defensive midfielder, he is elite at carrying the ball through the lines.
The Transfer Tug-of-War: West Ham and Beyond
The “Sangaré situation” isn’t just about bonuses; it’s about his soaring market value. His performances have caught the eye of several European giants, most notably West Ham United.
The Rejected Bid
In the final days of the August 2025 window, West Ham reportedly launched an ambitious loan-to-buy offer for Sangaré. However, Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was firm. Forest rejected the approach, stating they would only consider a permanent exit for an “important fee” (rumored to be north of €50m) or a loan with a 100% guaranteed obligation to buy.
By keeping Sangaré, and subsequently “lucking out” on the PSV bonus, Forest has managed to keep a player whose value is increasing while simultaneously lowering the total cost of his initial transfer. It is a rare “double win” in the world of football finance.
Summary of the “Sangaré Stroke of Luck”
Looking Ahead: The Arsenal Clash
Sangaré is expected to be integrated back into the squad immediately. With a massive fixture against Arsenal looming this Saturday, Dyche may be tempted to throw him straight back into the starting lineup.
The Ivory Coast international is no longer the “unproven expensive signing” from 2023; he is now the heartbeat of the Forest midfield—and, thanks to a bit of contractual luck, he’s a much cheaper one than PSV expected.