Nottingham Forest completed their third signing of the January transfer window today, securing German defender Luca Netz from Borussia Monchengladbach on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of £2 million plus add-ons.
The 22-year-old left-back arrives at the City Ground to bolster defensive options, a move made more urgent by Oleksandr Zinchenko’s loan cancellation and Neco Williams’ upcoming suspension.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new challenge, Netz stated, “Nottingham Forest is a great club with a unique history. The chance to play for this club in the Premier League immediately excited me. I am ready for a new challenge and the next step in my career”.
His acquisition represents a strategic move by the Forest hierarchy, focusing on young talent with proven experience.
Edu Gaspar, the club’s global head of football, highlighted this approach, noting, “Despite his age, Luca has played well over 100 times at the highest level in Germany, so we are signing a player with a good blend of potential and experience. With the ability to play on the left side, Luca brings balance to our team”.
Netz, a product of the Hertha Berlin academy, made his Bundesliga debut at 17 and has accumulated 124 appearances for Monchengladbach since joining in 2021.
He also brings international pedigree with 17 caps for Germany’s Under-21s.
The defender’s arrival is seen as a timely solution for head coach Sean Dyche, who was seeking reinforcement in the full-back position ahead of a crucial period in the club’s season.