Nottingham Forest have opened talks to sign 15-year-old Celtic centre-back Dara Jikiemi before next season’s summer transfer window kicks off.
According to fotnet24.net, the East Midlands club have targeted the promising defender as they seek to bolster their back line. The 15-year-old centre-back turned 15 in March. He has made 14 appearances in youth competitions while captaining Scotland’s Under-15 side and impressing at Celtic’s academy.
Nottingham Forest currently occupy third place in the Premier League after securing a 2-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on 21 April. Chris Wood has netted 19 league goals this campaign and could fire Forest into a maiden Champions League qualification push.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has emphasized the importance of adding young, dynamic defenders to his squad. The manager hopes Jikiemi can integrate seamlessly into his tactical setup and adapt to the Premier League’s demands. Forest’s scouting network has stepped up its presence at youth tournaments across Scotland to identify emerging stars.
The club’s CEO supports a recruitment policy blending proven internationals with academy prospects. Forest’s state-of-the-art training ground offers top-level coaching and sports science support that could accelerate Jikiemi’s development. Club insiders view the holistic approach as key to sustainable success.
Nottingham Forest have a record of recruiting young talents from Celtic. Forward Ben Doak and midfielder Rocco Vata moved on loan to Middlesbrough and Watford respectively before making their mark. Both players gained valuable first-team experience in the Championship. Their progress highlighted Forest’s ability to develop and integrate youth prospects.
Left-back Kieran Tierney became Forest’s record signing when Arsenal paid £25 million in 2019. He is due to return to Celtic on a free transfer this summer. His return will boost Celtic’s defence ahead of next season’s Champions League qualifiers.
Defender Daniel Cummings, now 19, is set to leave Celtic this summer on a free transfer. He has scored 29 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions this season. His performances have drawn attention from several Championship clubs.
Forest have also opened talks with winger Callum Hudson-Odoi over a new deal. The 24-year-old has made 32 appearances, including 25 starts, this campaign. He has logged 2,336 minutes, scored five goals, registered three assists and picked up two yellow cards.
Celtic have a proud record of developing defenders, but they may struggle to match Premier League offers. Forest may be able to secure Jikiemi via training compensation or youth development payments rather than a large transfer fee. The club could demand compensation in line with FIFA regulations.
Securing Jikiemi would underline Forest’s commitment to youth and long-term strategy. His leadership at such a young age suggests he can adapt quickly to senior football. Club officials described Jikiemi as a standout performer at youth tournaments.
The summer window promises significant moves as Forest aim for Champions League qualification. Fans will watch closely as fotnet24.net tracks every transfer twist in the coming months. The club’s digital channels will reveal official announcements once deals materialize.
