Expert: This may be real reason Brice Samba quit Nottingham Forest
Kevin Campbell has suggested the allure of moving back to France was too attractive for former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Brice Samba.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Forest and Arsenal striker said “everybody’s happy” after the 28-year-old completed a transfer to Lens.
On 5 July, Lens confirmed the signing of Samba from Forest on a permanent deal.
The Congolese goalkeeper had entered the final 12 months of his contract at the City Ground and had rejected the club’s offer of a bumper new deal.
Samba now returns to France where he previously played for Marseille, Le Havre and Caens.
When asked by Football Insider why Samba may have wanted to leave Steve Cooper’s side, Campbell said: “I think the lure of going back to France was too much for Brice Samba.
“That really stands out.
“It is great that he helped the club get back to the Premier League, where they belong. He was instrumental. He played a significant part.
“But it’s important to remember that at times he wasn’t even the number one. At this time, he has to think about his future.
“If an opportunity arises to go back to France, he was always going to be tempted. He couldn’t resist. I get it.
“He is a legend in Nottingham now. He can go in any pub and not pay for a drink.
“Football-wise I think it is the right move for him. Forest have moved on. They have moved quickly. If Samba gets his move back to France and everybody is happy.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed O’Brien could ‘take the Premier League by storm’ after Nottingham Forest transfer report.