It is proving to be a quiet transfer deadline day for Newcastle United, but one of the Magpies’ former players could be on his way to the Premier League.
While Newcastle United look unlikely to make any major signings, Nottingham Forest are enjoying a busy end to the window. They have already brought in Giovanni Reyna and Rodrigo Ribeiro, and they are also looking to sign a goalkeeper.
And the man they look set to sign is someone who endured a torrid time at Newcastle United back when Rafa Benitez was manager.
Nottingham Forest agree deal to sign Matz Sels
According to the Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel, Nottingham Forest have agreed a fee with French side Strasbourg to sign Matz Sels. He states that the Belgian goalkeeper is now flying in for a medical.
That is a name that Newcastle United fans will remember, as he was brought to Tyneside by Benitez following the club’s relegation to the Championship in 2016.
Matz Sels had a terrible year with Newcastle
Sels arrived at St James’ Park from Gent for around £6.5million, which was a sizeable investment. It was a clear indication that Benitez intended to make him his first choice goalkeeper.
And that was the case when the Championship season kicked off, with Sels starting in between the sticks as Newcastle kicked off their second tier campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Fulham.
Sels started the first nine league games of the season, keeping four clean sheets. However, his performances were far from convincing, and he was eventually dropped in favour of Karl Darlow.
Newcastle ended that season as champions, but Sels spent the majority of it out of the team. He made 14 appearances in total, and was loaned out to Anderlecht following promotion.
In 2018, Newcastle cut their losses and sold Sels to Strasbourg for £3.5million. He has gone on to make 175 appearances for the French club, but could now be on his way back to England.
Nottingham Forest are attempting to do a deal, and it looks like they are going to be successful. And that means Newcastle could meet Sels again very soon, as Eddie Howe‘s side are heading to the City Ground on February 10th.
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