Francisco Conceição Declares Final Choice: “Nottingham Forest Is My Dream Team, Not Newcastle United”
In a dramatic and heartfelt announcement that has sent ripples across European football, Juventus winger Francisco Conceição has officially declared that Nottingham Forest — not Newcastle United — is the club of his dreams and the destination he has long envisioned representing. The 22-year-old Portuguese winger, known for his blistering pace, fearless dribbling, and football lineage, made the announcement during a live interview with Sportitalia, ending months of speculation surrounding his future.
“I’ve had a lot of offers, a lot of talks,” Conceição stated. “But when I close my eyes and imagine the shirt I want to wear, it’s red, it’s Forest — not black and white.”
A Surprising Twist
Conceição’s decision comes as a surprise to many in the football world. Newcastle United were reportedly in advanced negotiations with Juventus and his representatives, with sources indicating that a lucrative £38 million deal had nearly been finalized. However, behind the scenes, the player had other plans brewing — ones rooted in emotion and football history rather than financial gain.
“Newcastle is a great club with a massive project, no doubt,” he acknowledged. “But Nottingham Forest speaks to my soul. I see their badge, their history, the passion of the fans — and I feel something deeper than just football.”
A Player of Football Royalty
Francisco Conceição is no ordinary prospect. As the son of legendary Portuguese manager and former Porto star Sérgio Conceição, football runs in his blood. Having made his senior debut for FC Porto before earning a move to Ajax and later Juventus, Francisco’s rise has been steep and watched closely by clubs across Europe.
At Juventus, despite limited playing time in a crowded squad, he showed flashes of brilliance that made scouts and coaches take notice. Forest’s technical director reportedly tracked him for nearly two years, viewing him as a perfect piece in the club’s long-term attacking vision.
“He reminds me of a young Arjen Robben,” a Forest scout was quoted as saying. “Fearless on the ball, devastating one-on-one, and an engine that doesn’t quit. But what makes him special is his heart. He plays every minute like he’s proving something.”
Why Forest, Why Now?
When asked directly why he chose Nottingham Forest, Conceição offered a deeply personal response.
“Forest has this magical feeling to it,” he said. “From the history under Brian Clough to their recent rise back into the Premier League — they represent the underdog that refuses to stay down. That’s how I’ve always seen myself. I don’t want to be just another signing at a club full of superstars. I want to be part of something real. Something being built from the ground up.”
Sources close to the deal confirm that Conceição has agreed to a five-year contract with Forest, with personal terms already finalized. The transfer fee is expected to be in the region of £27 million, significantly less than what Newcastle were offering — reinforcing the idea that this move was driven by passion, not profit.
Forest Fans React
The Forest faithful have erupted in excitement over the news, flooding social media with welcome messages, videos, and even custom chants already circulating for the Portuguese sensation. City Ground forums lit up with messages like:
“He chose us over the money. That tells you everything about his character.”
“This is the kind of player who becomes a legend here.”
“Conceição is Forest DNA.”
Club legend Stuart Pearce even weighed in, saying, “When you get a player with this much talent and this much passion for the badge before he even kicks a ball — that’s gold. He’s made the right choice, and so have we.”
What About Newcastle?
For Newcastle United, this comes as a rare defeat in the transfer market. Their sporting director had been confident of landing the young winger to bolster their right flank, especially amid uncertainty around Miguel Almirón’s future. Reports suggest that Eddie Howe was personally involved in courting Conceição and had offered him assurances of first-team football.
Still, the player’s emotional connection to Nottingham Forest proved too powerful to ignore.
“Newcastle were professional, respectful — everything you’d want from a club,” Francisco said. “But in the end, my heart made the call. Forest is where I’m meant to be.”
What’s Next for Conceição?
With the move expected to be completed within the next 48 hours, Francisco Conceição is set to arrive in Nottingham for his medical and unveiling. Fans are already preparing for a grand welcome at City Ground, with a special event being planned to introduce the player — likely featuring a public Q&A and open training session.
Head coach Nuno Espírito Santo is said to be “absolutely thrilled” with the signing, considering Conceição a cornerstone of Forest’s project going forward.
“Francisco is a player who plays with flair and heart,” Nuno told club media. “He’s got that fire I love in young attackers, and we’ll give him the stage to shine.”
Final Word
In a football world where big money often dictates big moves, Francisco Conceição’s decision is a reminder that soul still matters. The young winger’s choice to wear the Garibaldi red is a nod to the magic of football history, the power of belief, and the spirit of building something that lasts.
As Conceição himself said, with a quiet smile:
“Some clubs buy stars. Forest builds them. I want to be part of that.”
Nottingham, get ready — your next star is on his way.
