🟥 Nottingham Forest’s Left-Wing Dilemma:
Samuel Mbangula’s Arrival Could Reignite Ramon Sosa’s Redemption Story
As Nottingham Forest gear up for a pivotal summer under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, the club finds itself in the middle of a fascinating positional battle — one that could determine how the team lines up in the months ahead. The spotlight is currently on Samuel Mbangula, a rising Belgian star who looks increasingly likely to complete a move to the City Ground from Juventus.
At just £8 million, Forest are on the cusp of securing a potentially brilliant transfer — a high-upside winger who has caught the eye in Italy with flashes of brilliance, technical flair, and raw speed. With Mbangula eager to prove himself in the Premier League, and Juventus surprisingly willing to sell, Forest fans have every reason to be excited about what the future holds.
But this isn’t a clean slate. It’s not a vacant position waiting to be filled.
Instead, Ramon Sosa, the forgotten man of Forest’s 2023/24 season, is quietly engineering his own comeback story — and it could complicate everything.
🌍 Mbangula: From Turin’s Sidelines to Premier League Spotlight
Samuel Mbangula arrives at a critical juncture in his career. A standout for Belgium’s youth national teams and a highly rated graduate of Juventus’ development pipeline, Mbangula possesses a tantalizing mix of explosiveness, ball control, and tactical intelligence. In Italy, he was widely seen as one of the next big wide players — not unlike how Dejan Kulusevski once emerged at Juve before moving on.
Still only 21, Mbangula is likely being let go not because of a lack of talent, but due to depth at Juventus and limited opportunities. The likes of Federico Chiesa and Kenan Yıldız crowd the attacking flanks in Turin, and the Italian giants are prioritizing players with more immediate first-team impact.
This creates an opening for Forest, who, by acquiring Mbangula at a cut-rate price, are betting on potential over polish. He may not walk into the starting XI on day one, but if his development is handled correctly, he could grow into a true Premier League threat.
Yet Forest is not a club without ambition — nor is it a forgiving place for adaptation periods. With financial pressure and competitive tension in the squad, Mbangula will need to hit the ground running. And that challenge just became more complicated by Ramon Sosa’s unexpected return to relevance.
🏃♂️ Ramon Sosa: The Comeback You Didn’t See Coming
Ramon Sosa’s arrival at Forest last summer was heralded with quiet optimism. Signed from Club Libertad in Paraguay, Sosa brought with him a reputation as an exciting, high-energy winger with electric pace and an eye for goal. But his first year in English football was underwhelming, if not outright disappointing.
Sosa played just 281 minutes in the Premier League — barely over three full matches. He was often benched, sometimes not in the matchday squad at all. For many, he became a peripheral figure, a likely departure after just one year.
But behind the scenes, Sosa’s story is taking a dramatic turn.
According to reports in Paraguay, Sosa is undertaking an intensive private training regime during the offseason. Working with a personal coach to sharpen his fitness, refine his dribbling, and work on tactical elements of his game, Sosa has clearly taken his career into his own hands.
He also rejected a move to Palmeiras, one of South America’s top clubs, in order to remain in Europe — despite barely featuring last season. That decision alone signals a player with unfinished business and a determination not to be remembered as a failed signing.
If there’s one thing Nuno Espírito Santo values, it’s commitment. And if Sosa reports to pre-season in peak condition, full of hunger and intensity, he may find himself very much back in the conversation.
📊 Small Sample, Big Promise: Sosa’s Numbers Tell a Different Story
It’s easy to write off Sosa based on minutes played. But dig into the numbers — even from a limited sample size — and a more nuanced picture begins to emerge:
In the FA Cup against Luton Town, Sosa was one of Forest’s standout players, scoring a goal and assisting another.
His chances created per 90 minutes were comparable to Forest’s more regular attacking options.
He averaged 2.3 shots per 90 minutes, an impressive output for a winger not fully integrated into the team.
His successful dribbles and progressive carries were among the highest per-minute rates on the team.
These stats don’t suggest superstardom — not yet — but they do suggest that Sosa wasn’t hiding when given a chance. He tried to impose himself on games. And with a bit more rhythm and tactical support, he could still emerge as a useful Premier League player.
🧠 Tactical Implications: Can They Coexist?
Both Mbangula and Sosa prefer playing on the left wing, cutting inside onto their stronger right foot. That naturally sets up a positional rivalry, but in Nuno’s fluid 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 systems, there is room for versatility.
Could Sosa operate on the right, or even as a wing-back if needed? Could Mbangula play in a more central attacking role behind a striker? It’s possible — but the reality is that both players will likely be competing directly for the same spot.
That could be a good thing. Competition breeds excellence, and Forest could finally have two viable wide options who are both young, motivated, and eager to prove themselves. In a league as demanding as the Premier League, depth is essential. Having multiple dangerous attackers in the squad is not a problem — it’s a luxury.
And with Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Morgan Gibbs-White also involved in the attacking line, Forest could find themselves with an exciting attacking rotation — one with pace, creativity, and unpredictability.
🧮 The Financial Angle: What Does This Mean for Forest?
Forest’s deal for Mbangula, if completed at £8 million, is a relatively low-risk investment — especially given the current transfer market inflation. He could develop into a £30 million player within a season or two if things go right.
Sosa, on the other hand, represents money already spent. Forest invested in him last year, and whether or not they plan to sell, they’ll want to protect his market value. Giving him a second chance — and showcasing him in pre-season — could either rehabilitate his status in the squad or boost his price tag for a potential transfer.
In either case, Forest benefit from giving Sosa a platform — and he seems determined to take it.
🗣️ Managerial Decisions: The Nuno Factor
Nuno Espírito Santo will play a decisive role in this battle. Known for his strong emphasis on team structure, work ethic, and tactical discipline, Nuno isn’t easily swayed by hype or raw talent alone. He prefers players who buy into his system and show the willingness to sacrifice for the team.
If Sosa arrives early, in top shape, and hungry to impress, he could quickly earn Nuno’s trust — especially if Mbangula takes time to adapt.
But the opposite is also true: Mbangula could quickly establish himself as a superior option, especially if he impresses tactically and shows end-product.
In either case, the pre-season will be a proving ground. Forest’s staff will be watching closely, and both players know that a strong July could define their role (or lack thereof) for the entire 2025/26 campaign.
🔚 Final Thoughts: A New Rivalry That Could Spark Revival
On paper, Samuel Mbangula’s arrival is a win for Nottingham Forest — a smart, low-cost investment in a player with top-tier potential. But what makes this move even more compelling is that it may have unknowingly revived Ramon Sosa’s career.
Where once there was silence, now there’s fire.
Sosa, written off by many, is back in the frame — fitter, hungrier, and more focused than ever before. And as Mbangula steps into the spotlight, he’ll find not a red carpet, but a red wall — one built of grit, competition, and ambition.
This is no longer just about a signing. It’s a clash of careers, a duel of determination, and a reminder that at this level, nothing is handed out — especially at Nottingham Forest.