Forest sign goalkeeper Sels from Strasbourg

Nottingham Forest have signed former Newcastle United goalkeeper Matz Sels from French side Strasbourg.

The Belgium international, 31, joins on a deal until the summer of 2027 and becomes Forest’s third new arrival in the January transfer window.

He will wear the No 26 shirt during his time with the club.

Sels adds to Nuno Espirito Santo’s goalkeeper options, with Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos both having started in the Premier League this season, while Wayne Hennessey is also on the books at the City Ground.

The Belgian began his career at Lierse before moving to Gent in 2014.

Club News Forest complete Matz Sels signing External Link

Forest complete Matz Sels signing

Nottingham Forest is pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Matz Sels from Strasbourg. The 31-year-old has joined on a three-and-a-half year deal which keeps him at The City Ground until the summer of 2027. Sels, a Belgian international, arrives on Trentside having made 175 appearances for Strasbourg, captaining the club this season. The shot-stopper began his career in Belgium with Lierse before moving to Gent in 2014. Sels made an immediate impact at Gent, playing an integral role in helping them become champions of Belgium and subsequently qualify for the UEFA Champions League, keeping 16 clean sheets in all competitions. That form saw him be named the Best Goalkeeper of Belgium in 2015. After spells with Newcastle United and Anderlecht, Sels moved to Strasbourg in 2018, going on to establish himself as a key player for the French side, helping them win the Coupe de la Ligue in 2019. After a six-year spell in France, Sels joins Forest and becomes the club’s third signing of the January transfer window. Sels will wear the number 26 shirt during his time on Trentside. Welcome to Forest, Matz!

He then joined Newcastle in 2016, making nine league appearances for the Magpies, but following a loan spell with Anderlecht, Sels moved to Strasbourg in 2018.

Sels made 164 league appearances for Strasbourg, including 19 this season, while he made his international debut in 2021 during his time at the French club, his first of six caps for Belgium.

He will hope to make his Forest debut at AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.

In other transfer news for Forest, goalkeeper Ethan Horvath and midfielder Orel Mangala have both departed the club in permanent deals, signing for Cardiff City and Lyon respectively.