Nottingham Forest to block Matz Sels exit, but door still open for Club Brugge move
Nottingham Forest have no intention of entertaining a sale of goalkeeper Matz Sels amid interest from Club Brugge, sources have told Football Insider.
However, it is understood that the Belgian giants could be able to strike a deal for the 34-year-old if the Reds are relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.
Sources say that Forest view Sels as one of the best ‘keepers in the division, but they do not have total security regarding his future, as he is set to enter the final year of his contract this summer.
Brugge have identified the veteran as a candidate to replace the outgoing Simon Mignolet ahead of next term, but they are set to meet resistance from Vitor Pereira and Co.
Forest’s transfer plans will be heavily dictated by which division they find themselves in for 2026-27, but they have no intention of losing key players if they survive relegation.
🔄 Nottingham Forest Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Nottingham Forest boardroom.
VISIT THE FOREST TRANSFER HUBClub Brugge may be able to tempt Matz Sels
Sels has been a key player for Forest since his arrival from Strasbourg in January 2023, and he has regained the starting spot at the City Ground.
Pereira has some strong options between the posts with both Stefan Ortega and John Victor on the books, but Sels is still seen as the clear number one for the position.
| Stats | Sels Total | PL Rank |
| Apps | 24 | N/A |
| Clean Sheets | 6 | =14th |
| Save Percentage | 68.4% | 9th |
| Saves per 90 | 3 | =6th |
| Goals Prevented | -0.8 | 9th |
| Goals Conceded per 90 | 1.4 | =12th |
With that in mind, Brugge are set to find it hugely difficult to tempt the gloveman away from the East Midlands outfit this summer, given that he is likely to have regular football on the table once again next term.
However, the situation could change drastically if Forest slip into the Championship at the end of the campaign.
Brugge are on course to secure Champions League football for next term, and could even end the season as Belgian champions, as they are currently just one point off the top of the table.
Sels’ position in the pecking order at Forest is clear, but like many key members of their squad, the picture surrounding his future will look very different if the team go down.
Nottingham Forest re-join race to sign Hayden Hackney
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this week that Forest are keen to sign Hayden Hackney once again this summer, having previously been linked with a move for the Middlesbrough star back in January.
The Boro captain stayed put during the winter window to help aid their push for promotion to the Premier League, despite several top-flight sides showing an interest in him.
He has been a long-term target for the likes of Manchester United and West Ham, and Brown suggested that Forest feel he has been the best midfielder in the Championship this season.
The Reds are ready to pounce on any failure to secure promotion from Middlesbrough, who are set to find it difficult to keep hold of their skipper if they are still playing Championship football next term.
Hackney has attracted plenty of interest in recent transfer windows, and this summer could finally be the moment for him to move on.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Nottingham Forest Insider Access
Get the full story from the City Ground and the Forest Training Centre with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the banks of the River Trent.