OFFICIAL: Nottingham Forest Sign Goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon in Stunning Transfer Deal
In a surprise move that has taken many by surprise, Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri from French side Olympique Lyonnais in a deal that signals the club’s continued intent to solidify their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The 26-year-old shot-stopper becomes the latest addition under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who has made strengthening Forest’s defensive line a top priority this summer.
Lucas Perri, who joined Lyon in 2024 and impressed in limited appearances, now takes on the challenge of English football after agreeing personal terms and passing his medical at the City Ground earlier this week.
A Rising Talent with European Ambition
Perri’s journey to the Premier League has been unconventional but promising. The Brazilian began his career with São Paulo FC before making a name for himself at Botafogo, where his reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and distribution earned him widespread recognition. His standout performances in Brazil earned him a move to Lyon, where he was viewed as a long-term option.
While his time in Ligue 1 was brief, Forest scouts have reportedly monitored Perri for over a year, impressed by his confidence, agility, and potential to develop into a top-tier keeper. At 6’5″, Perri offers a commanding presence in goal, with the athleticism to match.
According to reports, Forest will pay an initial £9 million, potentially rising to £12 million with performance-based bonuses — a relatively modest figure for a player with significant upside.
Nuno Espírito Santo Builds from the Back
With Forest narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Nuno Espírito Santo has made it clear that tightening up the defence is a non-negotiable goal. The team conceded 67 goals during the last campaign, and the goalkeeper position had become an area of concern, with inconsistencies and injuries undermining stability.
Lucas Perri’s signing reflects a shift in philosophy — moving away from patchwork solutions and toward a long-term investment.
Nuno, speaking to club media, praised the deal:
“Lucas is a player we’ve admired for a while. He’s calm under pressure, good with his feet, and commands his area well. Most importantly, he’s hungry to prove himself at the highest level, and that fits perfectly with our vision for this club.”
Forest Fans React with Optimism
Though not a household name in England, Perri’s arrival has sparked optimism among Forest fans. Many supporters have welcomed the signing as a refreshing change from past transfer strategies, which often focused on short-term or last-minute fixes.
One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Lucas Perri might not be a superstar yet, but this feels like smart scouting and a smart signing. If he develops well, we’ve got a bargain on our hands.”
Others pointed to Forest’s growing reputation for spotting and nurturing talent from outside the traditional European pipeline, with recent success stories like Murillo and Danilo reinforcing that approach.
What Perri Brings to the City Ground
Perri’s strengths lie in his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping, and increasingly solid distribution — an important trait in Nuno Espírito Santo’s system, which emphasizes playing out from the back. He also shows maturity beyond his years, a trait he developed through regular minutes at Botafogo and the pressure of playing for Lyon in key Ligue 1 fixtures.
With Premier League physicality and tempo often posing a challenge for incoming foreign keepers, Perri will need time to adjust. However, his natural attributes suggest he has the tools to make a quick impact.
Additionally, his arrival adds vital competition in the goalkeeping department, with the futures of current options like Ethan Horvath and Wayne Hennessey still uncertain.
A Long-Term Vision
Forest’s strategy this summer appears deliberate and structured. With new ownership backing Nuno’s long-term plan, the club has moved decisively in the window, targeting young, hungry players with resale value — rather than ageing stars.
Lucas Perri fits this profile perfectly: a player with experience at a high level, international pedigree, and room to grow. The signing also bolsters Forest’s image globally, with more South American talent gravitating to the Premier League via the club.
Sporting director Ross Wilson commented:
“Lucas is a player who’s been on our radar since his time in Brazil. We believe he has the right mix of experience and potential to thrive at Nottingham Forest.”
What’s Next?
With Perri’s signing now confirmed, Forest are expected to turn their attention to reinforcing the midfield and full-back positions. A second striker may also be on the agenda, with the club keen to ease the burden on Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood.
Perri is expected to join the squad immediately for pre-season training and could feature in Forest’s upcoming friendlies against Ajax and Celtic. If all goes to plan, he’ll likely start between the sticks in Forest’s Premier League opener against Wolves in August.
Final Thoughts
Lucas Perri’s arrival may not be the most headline-grabbing move of the window, but it could prove to be one of Forest’s smartest. In a league where margins are razor-thin, a reliable and talented goalkeeper can make all the difference.
With youth, hunger, and ability on his side, the Brazilian shot-stopper has the chance to become a cult hero at the City Ground — and perhaps, in time, one of the Premier League’s standout stoppers.
Welcome to Nottingham Forest, Lucas Perri. A new chapter begins.
