Forest strengthen left-back options with Luca Netz signing

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of German defender Luca Netz from Borussia Mönchengladbach on deadline day, Sport360NG reports.

The 21-year-old left-back has agreed a four-and-a-half-year contract at the City Ground, bolstering Forest’s defensive options as they continue their Premier League campaign.

Netz is expected to compete with Neco Williams for a starting role, following the collapse of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s proposed loan move from Arsenal, which instead paved the way for the Ukraine international to join Ajax.

Forest, who sit 17th in the Premier League, turned their attention to defensive reinforcements after seeing three bids rejected for Celtic midfielder Arne Engels earlier in the window.

Speaking after completing the move, Netz expressed his excitement at the challenge ahead. “Nottingham Forest is a great club with a unique history. The opportunity to play in the Premier League was something that immediately appealed to me,” he said. “I feel ready for a new challenge and the next step in my career.”

A product of Hertha Berlin’s academy, Netz made his Bundesliga debut at just 17 before joining Mönchengladbach in 2021. He went on to make 124 appearances for the club across all competitions and has also represented Germany at Under-21 level on 17 occasions.

Forest’s global head of football, Edu Gaspar, highlighted the club’s long-term thinking behind the signing. “Part of our model is to recruit talented young players who can develop with the team,” he said. “Despite his age, Luca has already played more than 100 matches at the highest level in Germany, giving him a strong mix of potential and experience.

“He offers balance on the left side of the pitch, and we are looking forward to seeing him settle in Nottingham and make an impact for the remainder of the season and in the years ahead.”