Nottingham Forest’s push to strengthen their midfield has hit an early snag. The Premier League club tabled an official €13 million bid (around £11.3m) for Soungoutou Magassa, but AS Monaco have turned it down, holding firm for €18m plus add-ons.
Sources close to the deal told Softfootball the move is largely driven by Magassa’s own ambition the 21-year-old wants to test himself in the Premier League and feature in European competition. But Monaco, well aware of his potential and long-term contract, are in no mood to sell on the cheap.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano shared the latest on the situation via his official X account, posting:
“Nottingham Forest have sent €13m fixed fee plus add-ons as official bid for Soungoutou Magassa. AS Monaco want €18m plus add-ons to accept and let the defender go. Magassa, keen on #NFFC move with Premier League and European football.”
Magassa, tied to Monaco until June 2029, enjoyed a breakout 2024–25 season with 21 Ligue 1 appearances and seven Champions League outings, plus representing France at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the recent Euro Espoirs.
His performances haven’t just caught Forest’s eye; clubs from Serie A and the Bundesliga are also monitoring the situation. However, Nottingham Forest will be looking to add him to the team following the arrival of Scottish goalie Angus Gunn.
For now, Monaco’s stance is clear: any club wanting to prise their academy graduate away from the Stade Louis II will have to meet their valuation. Forest may yet come back with an improved offer, especially given the player’s willingness to move and the relative ease of agreeing personal terms.
Whether the City Ground becomes Magassa’s next stage will depend on how far Forest are prepared to go and how long Monaco are willing to hold their ground.
