Nottingham Forest confirm the signing of Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest have officially confirmed their thirteenth summer signing via the club’s website as Watford and Nigeria striker Emmanuel Dennis joins the Reds.

Watford were determined to make a significant profit on a player who cost them only £3 million when he joined from Belgian side Club Brugge at the start of last season. 

Forest reportedly had to meet Watford’s valuation and parted ways with around £20 million to bring the Nigerian back to the Premier League.

Club Brugge will receive a five per cent sell-on fee which was agreed when they let the striker leave for Vicarage Road, but Watford still stand to make a significant profit. 

The 24-year-old sparked life into the Hornets last season, contributing ten goals and six assists in 33 appearances in the Premier League, but it was not enough to help them avoid relegation.

Dennis featured in Watford’s opening two Championship games but failed to record any goal contributions. 

He was left out of the squad in Watford’s win over Vincent Kompany’s Burnley on Friday night as he finalised a switch to the Reds.

West Ham United were also interested in the Nigeria international, but Forest were always in the driving seat for his signature, and they have gotten their man. 

Forest manager Steve Cooper has significantly strengthened his squad with as many as thirteen signings this summer as he looks to stay in the Premier League this season. 

The Reds have lined up more signings as they have also been linked with Brighton & Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay, who was left out of their home draw against Newcastle United.

Dennis made his debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Ukraine in 2019 before featuring in a 2-2 draw against Brazil four days later. He has since made seven appearances for the Super Eagles.