- Forest sign McAtee and Hutchinson in £67.5m swoop
- Both midfielders agree five-year deals at City Ground
- Nuno strengthens squad before الدوري الأوروبي run
Nottingham Forest confirmed the £37.5m signing of Hutchinson, beating competition from Brentford, after an initial bid was rejected by Ipswich earlier this summer. McAtee, meanwhile, arrives in a deal worth up to £30m after entering the final year of his مانشستر سيتي contract. Both players had starred for إنجلترا Under-21s in their European بطولة triumph this summer, linking up for the winning goal in the final against Germany.
Speaking to Nottingham Forest club media, McAtee said: “I feel ready for a new challenge and the club had a great season last year, so I want to help build on that and show what I can do. I’m so happy to be here and really looking forward to getting started with my new teammates, and I know the ambition of everyone associated with the club, which is something I want to be a part of.”
Hutchinson said in his interview: “I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to get started. I’ve played at the City Ground a few times and it’s always felt like a hostile atmosphere, so I’m looking forward to playing here with the fans behind us. I’m going to give it my all, and I’m looking forward to the challenge as it’s a new chapter for me, but I feel ready.”
The double swoop comes at a crucial time for Nuno, who had warned that his squad needed more depth to handle the demands of European football. Nottingham Forest were originally meant to play دوري المؤتمرات football before they were surprisingly promoted to the Europa League due to كريستال بالاس‘s demotion.
Nottingham Forest, back in continental competition for the first time in 30 years, have also been targeting Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo and يوفنتوس midfielder Douglas Luiz. They will begin their الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز campaign on Sunday evening against Brentford; however, McAtee and Hutchinson will not be part of the clash.
