In a “fantastic” deal, as described by many fans of Serie A, Nottingham Forest have signed Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenković, in a deal thought to be a huge loss for ‘La Viola’, and a huge coup by the Reds.
Forest’s need for Central defenders while not as desperate as the wide-forward areas – which essentially rely on Hudson-Odoi & Elanga for options – is still an area to address. Boly is aging, and largely unreliable due to injuries, Felipe has now retired, Omobamidele learning his trade in the Premier League, and Worrall out of the reckoning – the need for a Stalwart defender to Marshall the defence, and partner Murillo is ever-present, and Forest have their man.
Who is the “Super Serb?”
Nikola Milenković is a name for whom those regularly viewing the Serie A will know of; standing at 6ft 5in, he’s hard to miss. A product of the renowned Partizan academy in Serbia, Milenković grew up idolising perhaps one of the Premier League’s greatest defenders – Nemanja Vidić, and while it would be certainly naive to suggest they are similar in quality, the similarities in style can be described, and should absolutely excite Nottingham Forest fans.
Born in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, Nikola Milenković had no issue finding academies – his mother enrolled him, and – as the saying goes – the young Serb “took the bull by the horns,” starring in some of the cities best academies. At 15, he joined Teleoptik, but due to issues with travel and other personal circumstances, he would have to depart, later joining Partizan alongside 30 other young trialists, with 5 of those making it past the assessments. Nikola Milenković was one of those 5, and so a new Serbian star was ‘born’.
After a stint on loan at Teleoptik between 2015/2016, Milenković would soon occupy the Partizan bench, eventually receiving opportunities following injury issues in the back line. The feeling was clear: Partizan had a star on their books, he’d rose up the ranks, and grasped the exciting opportunity of first team football without hesitation. His story in Eastern Europe would soon come to an end though, but not without a historic story. On his final match, a superb header saw his club achieve the domestic double – and not just that, but by boasting their greatest rivals, Red Star Belgrade. Fireworks to mark the end of his time in Serbia, with a journey west in his sights. Italy.
Fiorentina, La Viola, are an iconic team within Italian football – an opportunity to play for them was not one Milenković could pass on. After successful negotiations, the Serb signed for a fee of just (Euro)5.1m – adjusted to today’s exchange, that would be just £4.2m. Bargain hunting from the Italians, who just accrued one of Serbia’s most promising defensive talents. In 2017, Stefano Pioli reigned over the side, initially quite tough on Milenković whose opportunities seldom came, but after the heartbreaking, and indeed sudden passing of club captain David Astori, Pioli changed his mind, and gave Milenković a chance in his side. A decision he would not live to regret.
Over time, Nikola became a regular for Fiorentina, playing no less than 30 games a season, bar one season 2022/23 where he suffered adductor issues, along with another minor muscle issue. Bar that season, the Serb has proved his robustness – a reliable, tall, strong defender with an abundance of courage and fight – a rather scary sight for defenders wishing to enter his defence. The Serb remains on contract until 2027 for Fiorentina, but the next chapter of his career now awaits him.
Two Europa conference league final’s – ironically beaten by Olympiacos most recently – Milenković has seen European football, but now has his sights set on the ultimate prize for any footballer: The Premier League. Nottingham Forest are yearning for a centre-back of his quality, and as per numerous Italian outlets are close to securing a £12m deal for his services, in a deal that will see the Serb call the City Ground his home until 2029.
What will he offer?
It’s the focal point of any transfer story. Discussing the money, his history, it’s all fun, but what will he actually offer? Why will he compliment this current Nottingham Forest side? And why will he offer Nuno Espírito Santo more tactical flexibility?
Starting with his attributes: Aerial ability, Confidence with the ball, tackling ability and indeed his passing range. At six foot five inches, aerial duels were never going to be an issue for Milenković – he’s in the top 3% for successful aerial duels, according to Fbref. On the ball, he’s known to be comfortable, and able to pick out a pass whether short or long; while his distribution stats aren’t exactly comparable to Murillo, it is a quality he does possess, in reality a necessity for any Premier League defender in the modern day. Finally, he’s a bit of a gladiator – he’s not scared of a duel, in the air or on ground, his sole focus is on possession recovery, and ensuring the Goal is protected. If that means a crunching tackle in the box, so be it. His excellent timing, and ability to judge a situation is superb – he reads the game well, and continuously presents evidence of football intelligence during a match. While these aren’t all the attributes of Nikola Milenković, they are key – ones I feel are worth “shining the light on” as much as possible, and ones for which showcase exactly why Forest made the move to sign him.
Secondly, there has to be a motive to sign Milenković other than for the reason he is simply a good player, right? Yes. Of course. Forest have reduced depth in the central defensive position, thus meaning that strengthening in that area was of paramount priority. Injury issues in the back line, inexperience in the Premier League, and a former captain who has failed to reach levels expected in the Premier League – these are the issues Forest have at Centre-back, but with Milenković in the ranks, it fills a huge gap. Murillo needs a partner – and no, not that partner, he got married this summer…he needs a defensive partner. Boly would still be my choice without this addition, as I feel Murillo needs a leader next to him in order to get the highest possible output, performance wise, from him. Milenković, while not of the experience of Willy Boly, has a wealth of experience in Serie A, and being a natural right-footer would mean he is the right-fit puzzle piece to slot in next to the Brazilian star defender, and further solidify the back line.
Finally, what will he offer Nuno? Well of course all the above attributes, things a manager wants & needs from his new signings. This is Nuno’s first summer window, so of course there will be specifics he will look for in a defender – looking at his tenure at Wolves gives us an idea of potential ways a centre-back such as Melinković will be used. At Wolves, Nuno achieved success, attaining Europa League football with his fairly-recently promoted side, playing a 3-4-3, using an aggressive counter-attack, with the back-three a huge part of that. Having an extra central-defender offered options – Wolves’ wing-backs had more freedom. Wolves would always at some point defend with a back-four in attack, with one wing-back tucking in almost as a fullback, with the other going higher up the pitch, remaining wide, or at times tucking inside. Having a strong foundation is the key for any attacking side – the defence anchors the team, and gives others the fluidity & reassurance needed for success in the midfield, & the final third.
Milenković didn’t often feature in a back-three for Fiorentina, that system was left behind after 2019/2020, with new coaches – including current coach Vincenzo Italiano – opting for a back-four. This is club football, however, and in the international game, Milenković is a regular in a back-three, mostly operating as the central defender in the three. His experience in a back-four is key – Nuno operates under a 4-2-3-1 for the most part, but the familiarity with the back-three means the Portuguese head coach has the ability to move into another system with little friction. Having a player who is tactically aware, and versatile, is a key attribute every recruitment team will look for – Milenković certainly offers that.
It’s impossible to have a perfect player though, and Milenković is certainly far from that. He is no doubt ready for the Premier League, and will excel, I am sure of that, but there are elements of his game that certainly need to be ironed out. His disciplinary record is one worth a look at – one yellow card in approximately every five games across his career. While it isn’t the worst record, and typically many of his yellows came earlier in his career, he has been known to recklessly tackle on occasion – perhaps partially due to his towering height – and therefore, given how referee’s conduct games in the Premier League, he would need to be more careful. However, I do feel this is a part of his game that he can/will work on – coming to understand the league, movements of forwards, and reading the English game will no doubt reduce that Yellow Card count.
Another possible flaw is that of his work in a back three when not central. Often times when wing-backs had not recovered, it caught him off guard. I can’t see that being the issue if he joins Forest, as playing centrally in a back three (although I’m sure it will be a back four for the most part) will likely be a given. However, he has been known to struggle as the wide centre back – but again, an element of his game he can work on, but will largely avoid, I would imagine.
My thoughts?
I’ve been hugely complimentary of the recruitment team this summer, and indeed the club structure as a whole. Forest are maturing into the Premier League “way of life,” and while I think there is still a lot of work to be done – as this season won’t be without its issues – these are big steps towards a successful future; a new era for the club.
The links have been less frequent, leaks not really present. It feels as though the club have been hard at work identifying the targets they feel the club could procure this summer, and in the Winter, while simultaneously keeping much of it quiet for the most part, only being learned of by the Media in the latter stages of a deal.
So far in the window, Forest have signed five players: Stamenić (22) [Loan to Olympiacos], Moreira (18), Elliot Anderson (21), Carlos Miguel (25) and now Nikola Milenković (26). An average age of 22.4 across all the new signings, with around £38m spent (not including bonuses). Average of £7.6m per signing, all with relevant experience, or potential for the future. In my eyes, a young squad with experience, and at a good price, is shrewd – absolutely the way Forest should be recruiting. The vision of the ownership to be more sustainable, and take inspiration from clubs such as Brighton is evident from the opening moves within the window.
Milenović is someone who hasn’t gone unnoticed to clubs abroad: Spurs & Manchester United were both once touted for a move, but it never came to fruition. Some would question this, and ask: “So why didn’t he move there?” But perhaps the focus should be on his qualities, and why he wants a move to Forest, and equally why Forest made the move for him. The club identified an area that needed addressing, and had Milenković on their radar for quite some time. £12m for a player who is still in contract until 2027, and only a couple of years ago signed a contract extension, is superb business.
Some sources say his wages are approximately €100,000p/w (£83,900p/w) in Italy – making him one of Fiorentina’s top earners – but this is unverified. Going off of that wage, it would suggest he would be taking a pay-cut for Premier League football – Nicolò Shira, an Italian transfer journalist, believes his new Contract at Forest would be around €3.5m (£3.2m) per season. Roughly £61,000 per week – or a £20,000+ pay cut per week. Shrewd from the recruitment team if it is the case – but regardless, the transfer fee is in itself a fantastic deal, the wages are a bonus.
His ability to play in a back-four or a back-three entices me; leadership comes natural to him, and as some would describe him, he’s a “unit” – having someone like that Marshalling the defence is crucial, and Milenković is the man to do that, I think.
Smart business, and once again I’m raving about a new signing. Promising signs, early on.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC a Serbian signing of steel for the Reds.
