Forest plot move for free agent with European experience | OneFootball

Forest Chase Reinildo in Crowded Race for Atletico Madrid Veteran

Premier League clubs test Reinildo’s resolve

At 31, Reinildo Mandava finds himself courted by an unlikely mix of ambition and desperation. Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Leeds United have all reportedly registered interest in the Atletico Madrid defender, who will be a free agent at the end of July. According to TeamTalk, “Reinildo has already turned down at least one offer from a Premier League club,” citing dissatisfaction with the financial terms and sporting project.

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It is a curious cocktail of Premier League aspirants and mid-table strugglers, each projecting their own version of a rebuild onto a veteran who has just enough shine left to entice.

European know-how meets local need

For Forest, the appeal lies in stability. The left-back spot remains unsettled, with Alex Moreno’s loan status unresolved and Harry Toffolo still dividing opinion. In that vacuum, a player of Reinildo’s European experience becomes a logical, if not entirely thrilling, option. He has played Champions League football, contested major finals and battled in Diego Simeone’s relentless system.

If nothing else, he knows how to defend. And in a Forest side eyeing a Europa Conference League run, that matters.

Market noise and strategic hesitation

Of course, Forest are not alone. Sunderland want to reinforce across the board ahead of their Premier League return, and Leeds are preparing for life without Junior Firpo, who is set to exit on a free transfer.

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There is also overseas interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia, which introduces financial unpredictability. Reinildo’s situation, complicated by his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, remains fluid. Offers are likely, but so too is caution.

Reinildo’s choice will define his future

Versatility, experience and free agency are an alluring trio. Reinildo can operate at left-back or in midfield, and his track record in La Liga offers a compelling case. Still, whether his next chapter lies in the Midlands or beyond will depend on more than just wages. He wants purpose.

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A 31-year-old free agent with European pedigree but a growing list of suitors across Europe and Asia? It sounds less like a clever signing and more like a panic button being prepped for pressing.

Yes, Reinildo has experience, and yes, he’s battle-tested. But fans will remember the ghosts of ageing signings past, players brought in with fanfare and left drifting as the intensity of English football exposed their legs. If the only reason for signing him is availability and a CV, is that really good enough?

Forest need solutions, not symbolism. Reinildo may bring calm, but questions remain: how fit is he? Can he adjust to the tempo of the Premier League? And more critically, does he want to? If he’s already turned down offers for lack of “sporting project”, why would Forest’s interest be different?

Until that’s answered, some supporters will rightly raise an eyebrow.