Nottingham Forest will welcome back Ibrahim Sangare this week after his African Cup of Nations participation came to an end.
Ivory Coast were beaten 3-1 by Egypt and his return couldn’t come at a better time, with the Reds winning one game since he headed off to the tournament.
Sangare was praised for his efforts in the 3-0 win over Tottenham shortly before he linked up with the Ivory Coast, and it’s fair to say that he’s been sorely missed.
Forest face Arsenal this weekend in a game that looks borderline impossible for the Reds to claim a victory but with Sangare back in the fold, perhaps there is a chance.
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesForest might get out of Ibrahim Sangare clause
The Reds landed Sangare for a fee in the region of £30 million in 2023, with a series of add-ons included in the deal that were of benefit to PSV.
However, Managing Director Marcel Brands has bemoaned one of the clauses in the deal, suggesting it was never really going to be likely.
Sangare has a clause that gives PSV the right to another payment from Forest if a certain number of games is met during this season.
However, with AFCON coming at the mid-season point in 2025/26, it now looks as though Forest could get away without paying it this season.
Brands said in a press conference: “Let me give you an example.
“We sold Ibrahim Sangare to Nottingham Forest. If Forest stays in the Premier League, we’ll get a bonus. Provided he plays a few matches.
“He might not be able to make those matches, because he has to go to the African Cup of Nations and there are many other things like that. It’s not suitable anymore, it can’t be done, can it?
“Then they should just come up with something else, but not in the middle of the competitions. You’re talking about seriously good players from all kinds of European clubs. I think everyone has a problem with that.”
Forest need Sangare to pick up where he left off
The Ivorian was in fine form before he went off to Morocco with the international team and he’s largely been impressive all season.
Sangare shouldn’t have too much pressure placed on him when he returns to the team this weekend, but his physical presence could be huge for Sean Dyche in his fight against relegation.
Has Ibrahim Sangare justified his £30m price tag?
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With Forest needing more points to put space between themselves and the relegation zone, it feels important that Sangare comes in and hits the ground running.
The player can pick a forward pass out and the hope will be that he can continue his fine form and become a mainstay in the team under Dyche once again.