Nottingham Forest are working tirelessly to add another Brazilian central defender to their ranks, in the form of Benfica defender Morato. The deal for the 23-year-old is expected to be worth around €15million and will see him join up with fellow countryman, Murillo.
Morato was born in Sao Paulo but has been with Benfica since the age of 18 and has made 78 appearances for the Portuguese side, including 41 in the Primeira Liga. Former Forest captain Joe Worrall joined Burnley earlier this month, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo with four experienced options in the centre of defence, in Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Willy Boly and Andrew Omobamidele.
Forest also hold academy product Zach Abbott in high regard, but the signing of Morato will give them further competition and cover. Morato, who can also operate at left-back, has represented Brazil at under-20 level. Forest are also expected to complete the loan signing of midfielder James Ward-Prowse from West Ham.
A Deadline Day Deal In The Making
The Tricky Trees have been busy this summer and they are looking to bring in further reinforcements before the window slams shut until January. Getting a striker and a central defender is high on their wish list and they have identified candidates to bring in as well.
Benfica’s 23-year-old centre-back Morato is their top choice and they have agreed on a deal with the Portuguese giants. According to journalist Bruno Andrade, the Benfica star is currently on his way to England to join Nuno’s side today. Morato will have his medical and other formalities before he puts pen to paper to a deal with the City Ground club.
Benfica will receive a fee between €15m to €20m from Nottingham Forest for the 23-year-old, who will sign a five-year contract. The Brazilian came through the youth set-up at Benfica after being signed from Sao Paulo. Morato is considered to be a top defensive talent and can operate at both centre-back and left-back.
Another Brazilian to Bolster the Reds' Defense?
Nottingham Forest are trying to sign a number of players before tonight’s deadline and now a centre-back could be on the horizon. Forest have signed Nikola Milenkovic this summer and he made his debut in the 1-0 win against Southampton last weekend. Murillo is likely to be his defensive partner this season but he does look likely to move to a bigger club next summer.
Now, the Reds are looking to land another central defender ahead of tonight’s deadline as Nuno Espirito Santo bids to finalise his squad. According to Record in Portugal, the central defender is on his way to England to pen a contract with a Premier League club – believed to be Forest.
The Reds look to have won the race for the player’s signature with Fulham and Tottenham also showing an interest this summer. Morato will cost around £18 million and it will enhance Forest’s defensive ranks ahead of the first half of the campaign getting into full swing. The 23-year-old has been with Benfica since 2021 when he checked in from Sao Paulo and he’s been instrumental since signing. He’s made 86 appearances for the Portuguese giants but the club are now willing to sell the player amid interest from the Premier League.
Competition For Places
A number of things could be happening here. Forest might just be adding competition to the ranks, with Joe Worrall now departing the club for Burnley this summer. That said, Willy Boly and Andrew Omobamidele are in the Forest ranks as backup to Milenkovic and Murillo.
With that in mind, perhaps Espirito Santo is keen to have the option to play three at the back at certain stages of the season. Morato looks like a pretty useful signing and at 23 he also fits in with the profile of player that the recruitment team has tried to target this summer. Who Scored shows that Morato’s strongest attributes are tackling and passing, whilst they don’t cite any particular weaknesses in his game.
A Deal Close to Being Finalized
Nottingham Forest are set to complete a second signing of transfer deadline day after the loan addition of James Ward-Prowse. New players are required at the City Ground, with Nuno Espirito Santo keen to ensure his squad is well stocked ahead of the window closing.
Ward-Prowse is joining Forest on loan from West Ham for the season and the 29-year-old is on his way to Nottingham. Now, another signing is close, with Forest stepping up their chase for new players. According to Romano, the Reds have agreed a £15 million deal for Morato and the signing has been given a ‘Here we go’ from the transfer guru. The Reds have won the race for the player’s signature with Fulham and Tottenham also showing an interest this summer.
Morato will bolster the club’s defensive ranks at a time when perhaps options are required within the squad. This deal does seem like one to add some competition to the ranks and Morato is likely to be the cover for Murillo given that he’s a left-footed option. A number of things could be happening here. Forest might just be adding competition to the ranks, with Joe Worrall now departing the club for Burnley this summer. That said, Willy Boly and Andrew Omobamidele are in the Forest ranks as backup to Milenkovic and Murillo. Espirito Santo might look to play three at the back in certain games this season and perhaps that would give Forest options should Morato get over the line. Morato looks like a pretty useful signing and at 23 he also fits in with the profile of player that the recruitment team has tried to target this summer. Who Scored shows that Morato’s strongest attributes are tackling and passing, whilst they don’t cite any particular weaknesses in his game.
A Wise Investment for the Future
Okay, Forest are desperate for a striker in the here and now but ultimately there is nothing wrong with focusing on the future and signing a player like Morato for this price feels like good business.
