​Nottingham Forest have held discussions with Feyenoord over a potential move for Givairo Read, the 20-year-old right-back who is currently on Manchester City’s radar this summer. Read has emerged as one of the most talked-about young defenders in European football after a standout season with Feyenoord. His calmness in possession, athleticism, and ability to contribute going forward have drawn interest from clubs well beyond the Eredivisie, as City continue their search for a new right-back under Enzo Maresca.
City’s pursuit of a right-back has been a persistent talking point during what has otherwise been a busy transfer window for director of football Hugo Viana. The position has proven tricky to address through conventional market channels as the window has progressed. The failed pursuit of Malo Gusto from Chelsea, due to a valuation dispute—City not prepared to meet Chelsea’s £75 million asking price—has left City exploring alternative options. That stance has prompted Viana’s recruitment team to widen their net across European football, seeking players who fit the club’s strategic needs.
At present, Read is understood to be on Manchester City’s watchlist. The wording suggests a watchful interest rather than an active, imminent bid, indicating City intend to monitor Read closely while they assess other potential options at the position. Simon Jones of Mail Sport reports that Nottingham Forest have already spoken to Feyenoord about a possible transfer for Read, with the Dutch club also aware of City’s interest as Viana continues to evaluate the right-back market.
Forest’s involvement injects a further competitive edge into the summer’s transfer picture. In recent windows, Forest have demonstrated a willingness to recruit from the Eredivisie, and they now appear to be moving ahead of Manchester City in terms of initiating formal talks with Feyenoord regarding Read’s availability. The timing is notable: Forest’s approach arrives in the same window in which they secured a record £116 million windfall from City for Elliot Anderson. That financial boost, already in the bank, provides Forest’s recruitment team with the resources to move quickly and decisively for targets across Europe this summer.
Read profiles as an attacking, energetic right-back with the technical capacity to thrive in a possession-based system, aligning closely with the requirements Enzo Maresca has outlined for the position at City. His blend of pace, ball-carrying ability, and willingness to contribute to attacking phases makes him a compelling option for clubs seeking a modern, versatile full-back. As the season unfolds and transfer discussions progress, Read’s name will remain prominent in conversations around the future shape of City’s defensive options, with Forest’s interest potentially reshaping the market dynamics for a young player poised to rise to the upper echelons of European football.