Nottingham Forest star's swift transfer rejection speaks volumes about what Nuno Espirito Santo has created - opinion

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It’s hard to pick a sole contributing factor to Nottingham Forest’s remarkable form this season, with so many positives in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

The most obvious has been the goalscoring exploits of Chris Wood who has notched 13 times in the Premier League this season. These goals saw Wood become Forest’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, helping Forest consolidate third place in the table in the process.

Another, perhaps unexpected, positive has been the brilliance of Matz Sels, who was praised by Arne Slot in Forest’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool. He didn’t keep a clean sheet in that game, but his nine this season make him the top goalkeeper in the Premier League thus far.

Amongst the individual brilliance, though, Espirito Santo himself deserves plenty of plaudits for the strength and harmony he has created in the Forest squad, emphasised by one forgotten star’s decision to swiftly reject a move away from the club.

Ibrahim Sangare rejects a move away from Nottingham Forest

According to a report in Foot Mercato, long-term injury absentee, Ibrahim Sangare, rejected a move to join Stade Rennais in Ligue 1.

Rennais have been struggling in the French league but could’ve provided the Ivorian with more guaranteed first-team football than his Forest manager can, but the report stated that: “Sangare remains focused on Forest and regaining full fitness.”

Sangare was spotted in Forest training gear after Forest’s win over Aston Villa in December, whilst more recent reports have suggested that Sangare is not far off from returning to fitness.

Given how settled Elliot Anderson and Ryan Yates are in the centre of Forest’s midfield, Sangare’s faith in the club is a testament to the impact of Espirito Santo and the Forest coaching staff in creating a working atmosphere that players want to remain in.

Ibrahim Sangare faces an uphill battle for a starting position

After Anderson signed for Forest from Newcastle United, he and Yates have been ever-present in the starting XI due to the injuries to Sangare and Brazilian midfielder, Danilo.

Danilo returned from injury against Luton so is already a number of weeks ahead of Sangare in terms of match fitness.

To make Sangare’s task even more difficult, he will be competing for the more defensive role that Yates masters, with the Forest Academy graduate also being club captain which makes it unlikely that he will be dropped by Espirito Santo.

Whatever role the Ivorian plays this season, though, he clearly trusts that his manager has a plan for him, encouraging him to remain at the City Ground to repay Espirito Santo’s faith.