NOTTINGHAM FOREST NEAR £3.5M DEAL AS PRESIDENT ADMITS CLUB PLANNING FOR STAR’S EXIT
While few would begrudge any player the opportunity to make their name under the bright lights of the Premier League, it’s the nature of how the transfer could come about which has left a sour taste in the mouths.
Former Brazil international Neto – an opinionated fellow at the best of times – certainly didn’t hold back in his fiery criticism of the Nottingham Forest and West Ham United target.
“To hell with this guy,,” Neto fumes. “Go to hell.”
Carlos Miguel, the goalkeeper in the crosshairs of the two Premier League clubs, continues to train with the Corinthians first-team and appears to still be in contention to feature against Atletico Goianiense on Tuesday.
But after contract talks stalled and Miguel’s release clause fell from £42 million to as little as £3.5 million – a staggering dip which has left Corinthians feeling very vulnerable – Neto feels that the talented shot-stopper is destined to leave with his bridges burnt and his popularity in tatters.
The 6ft 8ins giant will become one of the tallest players in Premier League history when, as expect4ed, he heads to the City Ground. Nottingham Forest are allegedly set to beat West Ham to Miguel’s bargain signature, reporter Victor Pozella claiming that the chance to reunite with former Corinthians team-mate Murillo has played a big role in his decision.
Corinthians president Augusto Melo, however, insists that there is no deal agreed at this stage. Though after his clause fell by nearly £40 million, the Brazilian giants are largely powerless to prevent the 25-year-old’s departure.
“So far nothing has arrived for me. No contract. No clauses have been paid. (Miguel) is there, happily working,” Melo tells ESPN.
“We had information from Carlos Miguel. We talked about the renewal, we waited, we were reassured that everything would be ok. There wasn’t much to do.
“Why was there a clause of 50 million euros until December 31st and, from January 1st, a clause of 4 million euros? We are hostages. There is nothing we can do. If the player and the agent do not want to renew.
“Yes, there is talk, noises that they are going to pay the clause and that he is going to leave. (But) he is training, he is a Corinthians player.”
Another new goalkeeper at the City Ground
Miguel would be the latest goalkeeper snapped up by Forest following their promotion in 2022, following Dean Henderson, Keylor Navas, Matt Turner, Odysseas Vlachodimos and Matz Sels. The hope will be that Miguel can finally nail down a spot none of the aforementioned quintet really made their own.
HITC understands that Nottinhgam Forest also looked at Atletico Paranaense glovesman Bento. The Brazil international – who kept a clean sheet during March’s 1-0 win over England at Wembley – is now expected to join Serie A champions Inter Milan instead.
Melo, meanwhile, is not giving up on his hopes of a dramatic late U-turn in Corinthians’ hope of retaining Carlos Miguel’s services.
“We made a renewal proposal. We are already working in this direction and we would not like to lose him. Unfortunately, the way this contract was created scares us,” the president explains, albeit while admitting that replacements are now being sought.
“We are already talking to other goalkeepers, a scout (report) is being carried out.
“We don’t want people in here who don’t want to stay. Everyone has the right to leave. We want people who want to stay and play for Corinthians.”
