Nottingham Forest open talks to sign World Cup sensation – journalist

Nottingham Forest have begun talks to sign Racing Santander star Gustavo Puerta this summer transfer window after his wonderful performances in the 2026 World Cup.

Reports have emerged that the 23-year-old midfielder is interested in a move to the City Ground, but nothing is currently advanced.

This comes after the Colombian international had a successful summer with his country, as he helped guide them to the round of 16.

The defensive midfielder was key to the South American side picking up four clean sheets in five matches.

On top of this, Puerta also registered an assist in the 3-1 victory against Uzbekistan.

Now, the 23-year-old could soon find his way to Nottingham Forest this summer as Oliver Glasner looks to bring in midfield reinforcements after Elliot Anderson’s departure.

Nottingham Forest look to sign Gustavo Puerta

Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto reported on Tuesday of Nottingham Forest’s interest in Puerta.

The East Midlands club are set to face a battle for his signature, with Zenit and Villarreal among the clubs also interested in the Colombia international.

For those who watched the 2026 World Cup, this will come as little surprise, with Puerta barely putting a foot wrong throughout the tournament.

According to Fotmob on 4 August, he averaged a 0.09 xG, 2.68 shots, 0.19 assists, 1.15 chances created, 3.45 duels won, a 43.9 per cent duel win rate and 0.77 clean sheets per 90 minutes.

Therefore, these types of stats will have no doubt attracted the interest of Forest and Glasner as they look to move the club away from the relegation zone this summer.

How does Puerta compare to Nottingham Forest’s current defensive midfielders?

When comparing Puerta to the likes of Ibrahim Sangare, it is clear that both offer something different.

The current Forest star rarely pushed forward last season in the Premier League, averaging just a 0.05 xG, 0.69 shots, 0.09 assists and 0.52 chances created.

However, Sangare is clearly better defensively, and has far superior stats in this area.

Therefore, Glasner may be looking to pull Puerta further forward if he can get a deal off, or may just be looking to have an alternative option in his squad.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen who Forest will look to bring through the door in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.