Nottingham Forest Secures Key Signings Ahead of Premier League Opener
Nottingham Forest has finalized agreements worth £37.5 million for Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson and nearly £30 million for Manchester City's James McAtee.
The 22-year-old McAtee's deal is expected to include both a sell-on clause and a buy-back option.
Forest had been evaluating their options for Hutchinson, 21, after a £35 million offer was declined by Ipswich at the weekend.
McAtee, who captained the England Under-21 team to victory in the Euro 2025 tournament this summer, has been a long-term target for Forest. Last season, he made 27 appearances for City, including just three starts in the Premier League.
In addition, Forest is in advanced negotiations to acquire Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo ahead of their Premier League opener at home against Brentford, with the total value of all three deals approaching £90 million.
The club has been actively seeking wide reinforcements following the sale of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for a club-record initial fee of £55 million, and they have already secured Dan Ndoye from Bologna.
Brentford previously had a £35 million bid for Hutchinson turned down last month, even though it met his relegation release clause. However, because the offer did not consist of cash up front, it was rejected, and the clause subsequently expired.
After selling Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, Brentford returned to negotiate, but they could not reach an agreement with Ipswich, leaving Forest in a favorable position to secure Hutchinson.
Hutchinson, who scored in England Under-21's extra-time victory over Germany in June after being assisted by McAtee, joined Ipswich from Chelsea for £20 million last summer. He spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Portman Road, contributing to Ipswich's promotion to the Premier League.
Last season, he netted three goals in 31 league appearances but was unable to prevent Kieran McKenna's side from being relegated back to the Championship.
Ipswich, who drew their opening Championship match 1-1 against Birmingham, also sold striker Liam Delap to Chelsea in a £30 million deal after he scored 12 goals last season.