Transfer Centre

Palmeiras boss hints Gustavo Scarpa will join Nottingham Forest

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 14 September 2022

Palmeiras boss hints Scarpa will join Forest

Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira hints that Gustavo Scarpa will depart the Brazilian outfit for Nottingham Forest at the end of the year.

Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira has suggested that Gustavo Scarpa is planning on signing for Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window.

The newly-promoted side enjoyed a record-breaking summer in the market, making in excess of 20 first-team additions.

However, reports in recent days have indicated that the East Midlands outfit have already identified a player who could move to the City Ground at the turn of the year.

Versatile playmaker Scarpa has impressed for Palmeiras in 2022, contributing eight goals and nine assists in Serie A and the Copa Libertadores.

Those numbers, and the fact that Scarpa's contract expires at the end of the year, has inevitably led to interest from European clubs.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper on February 22, 2022 © Reuters

Palmeiras currently sit at the top of the top-flight standings by eight points, resulting in both manager and player having ambitions to remain at Allianz Parque in the short term.

Nevertheless, Ferreira has acknowledged reports that the 28-year-old is in line to end his five-year stint at his current club.

As quoted by UOL, Ferreira said: "He was very correct and honest with the club. He expressed a dream and desire, which is legitimate.

"When you have a serious, honest player who exposes his frankness and says: 'As long as I'm at the club, I'm going to give everything I have and I can'. You saw that at the end of the game."

Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira reacts on February 24, 2022 © Reuters

Ferreira was referring to Sunday's fixture against Juventude as Scarpa contributed an assist during a 2-1 victory, ending a five-game winless streak in all competitions.

In total, Scarpa has provided 34 goals and 46 assists from his 200 appearances for Palmeiras in all competitions since joining from Fluminense.

Should a transfer be completed, it is currently unclear whether Scarpa will link up with Steve Cooper's senior crop or make the loan switch to Olympiacos.

Forest have already allowed Josh Bowler and Hwang Ui-jo to sign for the Greek side, who are also owned by Evangelos Marinakis.