£3m Nottingham Forest star now makes international U-turn after failed Hughton talks…

Nottingham Forest’s football landscape underwent a significant shift with the departure of Chris Hughton in 2021. This managerial change set the stage for an intriguing development as one of their key players, whose transfer to the club cost £3 million, decided to explore his international options following unsuccessful negotiations with Hughton in 2022

Nottingham Forest boasts a diverse squad, with several players representing their respective countries in prestigious tournaments like the African Cup of Nations. Players such as Willy Boly, Ibrahim Sangare, and Serge Aurier showcased their talents while donning the colors of the Ivory Coast, while Ola Aina, Moussa Niakhate, and Cheikhou Kouyate proudly represented Nigeria and Senegal, respectively.

In a surprising turn of events, another Nottingham Forest standout is now on the verge of committing his international future to Ghana. Chris Hughton, despite his managerial departure from Forest, played a pivotal role in convincing Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had previously made three appearances for England, to switch his allegiance to the Black Stars.

Reports suggest that Hughton engaged in discussions with Hudson-Odoi’s parents before the 2022 World Cup, during which he served as the technical director for the Ghanaian national team. Despite initial setbacks due to Hudson-Odoi’s lack of regular playing time at Chelsea, talks progressed, paving the way for his potential debut for Ghana in upcoming matches against Mali and the Central African Republic.

Hudson-Odoi’s decision to pursue international opportunities with Ghana reflects a shift in his career trajectory, driven partly by a desire for more consistent playing time and a fresh start on the international stage. While his prospects with the England national team may have dimmed in recent times, his move to embrace a new footballing identity offers an exciting opportunity for both him and Ghanaian football enthusiasts.

Nottingham Forest supporters need not fret over potential disruptions to their Premier League campaign, as the next African Cup of Nations is scheduled for the summer, ensuring that their star player’s international commitments won’t interfere with domestic league fixtures.