Willy Boly, the central defender for Nottingham Forest, has recently signed a new contract with the club. The 33-year-old has agreed to a one-year extension with the option of a further year. This news comes as a relief to Forest fans, as Boly is highly regarded by the club’s hierarchy for his leadership skills and experience, which are invaluable assets to the team.
Negotiations for the contract were smooth, and all parties involved were delighted with the swift and positive conclusion. Boly had received interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey but ultimately decided to stay at the City Ground. This decision speaks volumes about his commitment to Nottingham Forest and his belief in the project and vision of the club.
Boly initially joined Forest from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2022, signing a two-year deal. However, he was limited to 18 starts and two substitute appearances this season due to injury issues. Despite this setback, Boly made a significant impact on the team, especially in the final weeks of the season. He played a crucial role in the away wins over Sheffield United and Burnley, helping Nuno Espirito Santo’s men secure their safety on the final day of the season.
In addition to Boly’s contract extension, Forest has also activated the clause to keep Ola Aina at the club for another season. Aina, the Nigeria international, joined Forest as a free agent from Torino last summer and has flourished in his time at the club. He has made 20 Premier League starts and two sub appearances, showcasing his talent and proving to be a valuable asset to the team. Aina’s progress has been hindered by a few injury issues, but his potential is evident, and Forest is excited to have him continue his development with them.
On the other hand, Forest has released Felipe, Cheikh Kouyate, and Wayne Hennessey, who have all reached the end of their contracts. Felipe, in particular, has announced his retirement from professional football after a successful career that included stints at Porto and Atletico Madrid. Forest thanks these players for their contributions to the club and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.
It is worth noting that several loan spells have also come to an end for some players at Forest. Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Divock Origi (Milan), Nuno Tavares (Arsenal), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), and Rodrigo Ribeiro (Sporting) will all return to their parent clubs. These loan spells provided valuable experience for the players and allowed them to contribute to Forest’s progress during their time at the club.
Overall, Nottingham Forest is making strategic moves to strengthen its squad for the upcoming season. Securing Willy Boly’s contract extension and keeping Ola Aina at the club demonstrate the club’s commitment to building a competitive team. While saying goodbye to some players, Forest remains optimistic about the future and looks forward to further developments in the transfer market.