Nottingham Forest are working hard to build a strong enough that can allow Nuno Espirito Santo to help them push for a top-5 finish in the 2025/26 Premier League and also compete strongly in the UEFA Europa League.
They have already made some smart signings in the likes of Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, but appear to be determined to strengthen their squad after losing Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United.
Nottingham Forest are now eyeing an ambitious summer move for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey to strengthen their squad.
Nottingham Forest Considering Aston Villa Midfielder Jacob Ramsey As Primary Summer Target
Nottingham Forest are facing some uncertainty over the future of midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who seemed to be bound to join Tottenham Hotspur, before that transfer was halted.
Amidst that drama, it’s now being reported that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have made Jacob Ramsey their No.1 transfer target for the 2025 summer transfer window.
They are aiming to sign the 24-year-old to further bolster their squad for what could be an exhausting 2025/26 campaign in which they’ll make their return to European football as well.
It’s claimed that Nottingham Forest are aiming to solidify their squad to help them make another push for a high-placed finish in the Premier League next season and also hold their own in the Europa League.
They reportedly have a long-standing interest in Ramsey, who made 29 appearances in the 2024/25 Premier League season for Unai Emery’s side.
It’s also hinted that Aston Villa would be asking for upwards of a £30 million fee to consider letting the English midfielder leave, as he’d also act as a ‘homegrown player’ for Forest as well.
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How Can Jacob Ramsey Improve Nottingham Forest?
Jacob Ramsey has quite a lot of Premier League experience under his belt so far, having made 136 appearances in the competition for Aston Villa.
He’s managed to gain 28 goal contributions (14 goals, 14 assists) in the Premier League so far for the Villans, which also includes four goals and seven assists in the 2024/25 season.
Not only that, but the 24-year-old attacking midfielder produced some impressive numbers in the league as he managed an average of 3.39 progressive carries, 4.83 touches in the opposition area and 3.83 progressive passes per 90 minutes in the league last season.
In comparison, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White averaged around 2.22 progressive carries and 2.93 touches in the opposition area, but a higher (5.27) progressive passes per 90 minutes in the league.
Similarly, Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi also averaged 2.91 progressive passes and 3.04 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season. It proves how effective Ramsey can be in the opposition area, in terms of being able to drive his side forward to help create chances and take the fight to the opposition.
Ramsey also manages to stand out in terms of his versatility in able to play in multiple positions for his side. Last season, the 24-year-old mostly played as a left-winger for Aston Villa and also in the attacking midfield at times.
Throughout his career, Ramsey has played in the attacking midfield (No.10) role, as well in central midfield and even as a right-winger at times if necessary.
His adaptability to different situations and energetic presence mean he can slot into many positions, which is why Forest value him so highly.
It now remains to be seen if Santo’s side can get this deal done and add more quality to their squad ahead of the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 10.05.2025