Yuri Alberto (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto could join Nottingham Forest in January for €23 million. The Premier League move aligns with his dream of returning to European football.
Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto may be on the verge of leaving Brazil as Premier League club Nottingham Forest reportedly prepares a €23 million bid to sign the forward during the January transfer window. If the move materializes, Yuri Alberto would follow in the footsteps of former Corinthians players Murillo and Carlos Miguel, who also joined Forest in recent years.
The proposed deal would see Nottingham Forest pay €23 million for the 22-year-old striker. While Corinthians’ board reportedly values Alberto at a higher price, they are expected to enter negotiations given the player's openness to a European move and the financial appeal of the offer.
Yuri Alberto, who first joined Corinthians in 2022 on loan from Zenit St. Petersburg before making the move permanent, has expressed his desire to play in Europe. In a recent interview with Band TV, he shared his ambitions of returning to England and competing in the Premier League:
"I have a big dream to play in Europe. I spent time at Zenit, but I returned because I couldn’t play in European competitions due to the war. I’m very happy at Corinthians, but if something beneficial for both the club and me comes along, it’s an open possibility. My priority is England; I like it a lot," he said.
Since arriving at Timão in 2022, initially on loan, Alberto has become a fan favorite and a critical player for the team. This season, he has been instrumental in Corinthians’ campaign in the Brasileirão Betano, showcasing his finishing abilities and consistency in front of goal.
However, with the player eyeing a return to Europe and Nottingham Forest presenting a concrete offer, Corinthians may see January as the ideal time to cash in on their star forward.
If the transfer goes through, Yuri Alberto will join a club familiar with Corinthians players. Forest previously signed Murillo and Carlos Miguel, and the connection between the two clubs may facilitate the move. For Nottingham Forest, Alberto would bring a proven goal scorer to bolster their attacking options in the Premier League.