Nottingham Forest are reportedly in advanced talks for defender Jose Angel Carmona from La Liga side Sevilla.
Nottingham Forest are set for their first season back playing European football since the 1995/96 season after qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side seems to be strengthening for the 2025/26 season and have been busy this summer. The Reds have made seven signings so far this window, bringing in the likes of Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town, James McAtee from Manchester City and Bologna’s Dan Ndoye.
It seems now Forest are looking to strengthen their defence, with the Reds reportedly in advanced talks for right back Jose Angel Carmona from Sevilla.
The 23-year-old started Sevilla’s first La Liga game of the new season as they lost 3-2 against Athletic Club.
Nottingham Forest move for Jose Angel Carmona.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks for Jose Angel Carmona from La Liga side Sevilla.
The 23-year-old right back is reportedly a new target for the Reds, who seem to be after a new full-back.
Carmona is not the only player Forest are currently after, with Romano also reporting the Reds are closing in on Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, who is set for a medical.
These would be their eighth and ninth signings of the summer window, having already signed Igor Jesus and Jair from Botafogo, along with Dan Ndoye, Angus Gunn, Omari Hutchinson, James McAtee, and Arnaud Kalimuendo.
Forest are also reportedly eyeing a move for former defender Matty Cash as another target for right back.
How did Carmona fare last season?
Carmona was a key figure for Sevilla last season as they survived relegation from La Liga, finishing 17th.
The defender was a consistent starter for Sevilla last campaign, making 35 appearances in the league, picking up 11 yellow cards and averaging the most interceptions per 90 in La Liga for defenders (2.08).
Carmona could not make as much of an impact in the Copa Del Ray, playing only once, coming on as a substitute in the third round.
Overall, the 23-year-old was a key player for Sevilla, making 36 appearances in all competitions, as the Spanish side survived the drop from La Liga.
Would this be a good signing for Forest?
It was an impressive season for the Reds as they qualified for the UEFA Europa League and finished 7th in the Premier League.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo may be hoping to build on last season’s success and compete in the Europa League. However, if they want to do this, they may need to strengthen their squad.
They have already started doing this, adding extra quality all over the pitch, but one area they may need to strengthen is the full-back positions, and one player who can add depth here is Jose Angel Carmona.
Forest currently only have Ola Aina and Neco Williams as first-team experienced full-backs, with both being versatile enough to play each side. Bringing in a player like Carmona could give the Reds a chance to rotate their side to deal with fitness or injuries.
In La Liga last season, the Spanish U21 international proved his defensive ability, ranking highest for interceptions for defenders (2.08 per90) as well as averaging 1.80 tackles won per90.
As well as being strong at the back, Carmona is versatile, being able to play as a right back, right wing back and a centre back. This could give Nuno Santo the chance to utilise him in different areas to suit various formations or to help deal with any fitness issues.
At 23, the defender could be a long-term option for the Reds, but he also has experience to play a part now, playing 86 times in La Liga as well as six times in European competitions.
This could be a smart signing by Forest, as they would be getting a young defender who can compete with Ola Aina for the right back spot.