In January, Nottingham Forest may have another opportunity to sign Jhegson Mendez. Bids for the midfielder have been rejected by clubs in Turkey and Russia in recent weeks.
According to journalist Vene Caragrande, the footballer was the subject of two European bids. They were both rejected, and Mendez appears to be leaving in January. During the summer transfer window, Forest met with Mendez representatives. It was also reported that the Reds were eager to add the player to their roster.
Mendez eventually stayed put. On transfer deadline day, Forest recruited Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez, and it remains to be seen whether the midfield engine room is still an area they would like to enhance.
Forest man Mendez gets Sao Paulo snub
There’s another factor that could help Forest get the defensive midfielder in January. Earlier this week he was completely omitted from the squad as Sao Paulo defeated Flamengo to win the Brazilian Cup.
That won’t have gone down well with the player. He’s only made 23 appearances for his current club and naturally, he will be craving more game time.
Mendez signed for the Brazilian outfit after leaving Los Angeles in the MLS. The move to Sao Paulo hasn’t quite gone according to plan and Forest are monitoring the player.
Signing Mendez would be intriguing
It’s hard to imagine the player signing for Forest now. However, the club might sign him in preparation for Cheikhou Kouyate likely departing at the end of the season.
It’s difficult to see where another defensive midfielder fits into the squad right now. Mendez would have stiff competition for a spot on the team, something he may not want following his struggles in Sao Paulo.
Nonetheless, the club is not leaving any stone uncovered in South America. Mendez has made 36 appearances for Ecuador and it will be interesting to see if Forest makes a bid for him.
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