Nottingham Forest Overtake Sunderland to Sign Saba Goglichidze in a Stunning Transfer Deal
In a dramatic twist to the summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest have successfully hijacked a deal to sign highly-rated Georgian fullback Saba Goglichidze, beating Sunderland to his signature in a move that has sent shockwaves through English football. The 22-year-old defender, who had been widely tipped to join the Black Cats, completed a surprise switch to the City Ground in a deal reported to be worth around £6.2 million.
Forest’s coup is already being hailed as one of the most shrewd and unexpected acquisitions of the transfer season. With manager Nuno Espírito Santo pushing hard for defensive reinforcements and club officials working behind the scenes, Goglichidze was swiftly and quietly brought in — leaving Sunderland fans stunned and Forest supporters buzzing.
A Rising Star from Georgia
Saba Goglichidze has been on the radar of several European clubs over the past two seasons, thanks to his impressive performances for Dinamo Batumi and later Saburtalo Tbilisi, where he established himself as one of Georgia’s most consistent and tactically disciplined defenders. Primarily operating as a left-back but equally capable on the right, his speed, stamina, and precision crossing have drawn comparisons to players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joakim Mæhle.
At just 22, Goglichidze already boasts experience in both domestic and continental competitions, and has been a regular call-up to the Georgian national team. His versatility and ability to operate in a back four or as a wing-back make him a perfect fit for the dynamic, aggressive style Nottingham Forest are hoping to re-establish in the Premier League.
The Deal That Turned Heads
Up until this week, Sunderland were the clear front-runners in the race to sign Goglichidze. Talks between the player’s representatives and the Wearside club had reached an advanced stage, and medicals were reportedly scheduled. But in the final hours of negotiation, Nottingham Forest swooped in with a more lucrative offer both to the club and to Goglichidze personally.
According to sources close to the deal, Forest offered better personal terms, a higher transfer fee, and the promise of Premier League football — all of which proved too tempting for the player to refuse.
A club statement from Forest read:
“We are delighted to announce the signing of Saba Goglichidze. He is a player we have admired for some time, and his attributes perfectly match the direction we are heading in. We believe he will make an immediate impact and develop into one of the finest fullbacks in the league.”
Reaction from Sunderland and Beyond
Sunderland’s disappointment was evident, with the club releasing a brief statement confirming that negotiations had broken down “due to unforeseen changes in the player’s decision-making process.” Manager Tony Mowbray was said to be frustrated by the sudden collapse of the deal, having considered Goglichidze a key addition for their Championship campaign.
Fans in Wearside took to social media to express dismay and frustration, with many blaming the club’s inability to match Forest’s offer and others pointing to the lure of Premier League football as the decisive factor.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest fans celebrated the news, hailing their club’s renewed ambition and ability to pull off a deal of such magnitude. Many supporters are hopeful that this transfer signals a new era of decisive recruitment and tactical evolution.
What Goglichidze Brings to the Premier League
Saba Goglichidze’s arrival gives Nottingham Forest more depth in wide defensive areas, where the club has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. His high work rate, intelligent positioning, and technical ability on the ball are expected to give Forest added options in both defensive stability and attacking transitions.
His ability to join attacks and deliver pinpoint crosses could prove vital for the team’s forwards, particularly in systems that utilize overlapping fullbacks. Defensively, he brings solid one-on-one skills, good awareness, and a natural sense of timing in challenges — all crucial attributes in England’s top flight.
A Word from the Player
In his first interview as a Nottingham Forest player, Goglichidze expressed excitement about joining the club:
“This is a dream come true. I have watched Premier League football since I was a child and always imagined myself playing at this level. Nottingham Forest is a historic club, and I’m proud to be part of it. I want to give everything to this badge and show fans what I can do.”
Looking Ahead
With Saba Goglichidze now a Forest player, the club’s squad depth and tactical versatility have been significantly enhanced. For a side that narrowly escaped relegation last season, such decisive moves could mark a turning point. Meanwhile, Sunderland will need to regroup and turn their attention toward alternative targets as they continue to build for promotion.
In the ever-unpredictable world of football transfers, this dramatic turn of events serves as a reminder: until the ink is dry, anything can happen — and Nottingham Forest just proved that once again.
