Nottingham Forest close in on Atletico Madrid defender Felipe

Nottingham Forest are on the brink of completing a move for Atletico Madrid defender Felipe, as manager Steve Cooper looks to boost his side’s survival hopes.

Felipe atletico madrid

Felipe, 33, joined Atletico Madrid from FC Porto in 2019 and has gone on to make 113 appearances. However, the two-cap Brazil international has fallen out of favour in Diego Simeone’s struggling side this season, making just four appearances in all competitions and has largely spent time on the bench.

Nottingham Forest were reportedly not the only club that considered a move for the 33-year-old defender in this transfer window. Felipe had been linked with Wolves, but Forest have now opened talks with Atletico Madrid in a bid to add the veteran defender to their long list of new recruits since achieving promotion to the Premier League.

The Tricky Trees, who made 23 signings in the summer of 2022, have already brought in Danilo, Gustavo Scarpa and loanee Chris Wood this January.

Defensive reinforcements the need of the hour for Forest

Nottingham Forest have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, conceding 35 goals in 20 games. They sit 13th in the table, and while results have seen an improvement of late, Steve Cooper’s side still remain just four points above the drop zone.

Forest are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements to boost their survival hopes. Susceptibility at the back has been one of the major reasons behind the Steve Cooper-managed team’s struggles so far. The constant chopping and changing of personnel clearly highlight the necessity of adding quality at the back in the mid-season trading period.

Felipe could make a big impact at the City Ground

With Felipe having less than six months remaining on his contract and Atletico Madrid in the process of balancing their books, a move to Nottingham Forest should help the defender get regular game time which he has failed to enjoy this season at the Wanda Metropolitano. On the other hand, a hugely experienced seasoned campaigner like Felipe can help Steve Cooper shore up his leaky backline.

The acquisition of a player like Felipe will not only allow Cooper the luxury of having a cover for Scott McKenna and Joe Worrall but will also help the Tricky Trees achieve a much better defensive record. Besides being as robust and solid as a nail in defence, the Brazilian has the ability to pass the ball out from the back and initiate attacks from deep. Furthermore, his experience and leadership skills could add a lot of value to a Forest side hoping to maintain its top-flight status.

All in all, Felipe’s potential availability on a cut-price deal should further prompt Forest to seal the deal as soon as possible.

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