Brice Samba stuns Nottingham Forest by telling them ‘he WON’T be signing a new contract’ with Premier League newcomers – because play-off semi-final hero ‘intends to leave the club this summer’
- Brice Samba has reportedly informed Nottingham Forest of his desire to leave
- The goalkeeper was a key figure as Forest were promoted to the Premier League
- But Samba only has 12 months left on his contract at the club as of this summer
- The 28-year-old is believed to have told Forest he will not be signing a new deal
Brice Samba has stunned Nottingham Forest by refusing to sign a new contract with the Premier League new boys.
The Congo-born goalkeeper was instrumental as Steve Cooper’s side were promoted via the Championship play-offs, and dramatically saved three penalties in the semi-final shoot-out against Sheffield United.
But according to The Athletic, Forest cult hero Samba has stunned the club by telling them he wants to leave this summer as he feels undervalued and underappreciated.
Brice Samba has stunned Nottingham Forest by telling them he won’t be signing a new deal
The Congo-born goalkeeper was instrumental as Forest were promoted to the Premier League
The 28-year-old signed a four-year deal when he moved from French side Cannes in 2019, and is about to enter the last 12 months of his current contract.
Steve Cooper (pictured) reportedly has an ‘excellent’ relationship with the stopper and the club are said to be firmly committed to keeping him one way or another
Forest recently approached the stopper, whose two children were born in Nottingham, to offer him fresh terms.
But Samba, who made 45 appearances in all competitions last season, felt the offer was unacceptable and is said to be disappointed he was not offered a new deal sooner.
His motivation in rejecting the deal is believed to be related to feeling undervalued in relation to his importance to the team and performances, rather than necessarily being just about money.
Samba would have been a crucial part of the club’s attempts to battle relegation next season, and unless they can persuade him to stay, Forest will have to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for nothing next year.
However, manager Cooper reportedly has an ‘excellent’ relationship with the ‘keeper and the club are said to be firmly committed to keeping him one way or another.