Alex Iwobi reveals failed move to Nottingham Forest before Fulham switch

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi has disclosed that he was close to joining Nottingham Forest in 2023 before a late turn of events led him to sign for Fulham instead.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who is enjoying a standout season at Craven Cottage with nine goals and five assists in 33 Premier League appearances, joined Fulham from Everton in a €25.7 million deal last September.

However, in a recent interview reported by Fulham Fan News, Iwobi revealed that Nottingham Forest had shown strong interest in signing him before the move to Fulham was finalized.

“There was interest. The main interest came from Nottingham Forest,” Iwobi said.

“The manager at the time called me and asked what I was thinking about joining.”

He added that Super Eagles teammate and Forest defender Ola Aina also reached out to help persuade him.

“Ten minutes later, Ola (Aina) has called me and he’s like, ‘Alex, you coming to Nottingham Forest? The manager just called me and said, persuade Alex.’”

Despite the push, Forest did not follow up with an official bid, and Fulham remained the only club to submit a formal offer.

“I could have been linking up with Ola, but eventually they didn’t put in a bid and only Fulham did, so that was that,” Iwobi said.

Iwobi has since emerged as a key figure in Marco Silva’s side and one of Fulham’s most consistent performers in the 2023/24 campaign.