Nottingham Forest are reportedly casting their net wide in the search for defensive reinforcements this summer, with Udinese`s young Danish centre-back Thomas Kristensen emerging as a potential target.
The City Ground club finds itself in a position to strengthen the squad significantly. Recent player departures, notably the sale of Anthony Elanga and Ramon Sosa, have bolstered the club`s finances. Crucially, Forest face the added demands of European football next term, requiring increased depth and quality throughout the roster, particularly in defence.
At just 23 years old, Kristensen represents an interesting profile. He was acquired by Udinese from Danish side AGF in the summer of 2023 and went on to feature regularly in Serie A last season, making 24 appearances despite a period sidelined by a calf injury. His performances in Italy, coupled with his participation in the recent European Under-21 Championship for Denmark, have clearly attracted attention beyond Serie A.
Forest aren`t the only Premier League side said to be tracking the defender. Reports indicate that fellow top-flight clubs Bournemouth and Wolves also hold an interest in securing Kristensen`s services.
However, Nottingham Forest possesses a potentially significant advantage in this transfer race: the opportunity of European football. While perhaps not the UEFA Champions League, qualification for the Conference League provides players with a taste of continental competition and offers valuable game time, a factor that Bournemouth and Wolves, not competing in Europe, cannot match.
Udinese`s defensive record last season saw them concede 56 goals in Serie A – a figure higher than any team finishing above them. This context suggests both the challenges Kristensen faced and potentially his availability as Udinese look to reshape their backline.
Securing Kristensen would add a promising young asset to Nuno Espírito Santo`s defensive options as Forest prepare for a campaign that promises to be both exciting and demanding across multiple fronts.
