Nikola Milenkovic has completed his move from Fiorentina to Nottingham Forest; 26-year-old Serbia international played against England at Euro 2024; Milenkovic was captain at Fiorentina and made 264 appearances for the Serie A club
Thursday 18 July 2024 13:57, UK
Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina for £12m.
The Serbia centre-back joins Nuno Espirito Santo's side on a five-year contract after he helped his former club to the Europa Conference League final and an eighth-placed finish in Serie A last season.
The towering defender has been capped 57 times for his country and played every minute of their Euro 2024 campaign.
Chief football officer Ross Wilson said: "He is a key part of our squad planning this summer and I know how enthusiastic he has been to join the club.
"We have long admired his performances with the Serbia national team and in Serie A and European competitions for Fiorentina."
The 26-year-old is predominantly a centre-back but can also play at right-back. Forest feel this is an important signing for them. The club have been very focused in their profiling of players this summer.
Milenkovic fits the profile they want for a new centre-back. He is strong, dominant and within the 18-26 age bracket. Forest were in need of defensive reinforcements after selling centre-back Moussa Niakhate to Lyon for £27m.
Milenkovic started his career at Partizan Belgrade and spent two seasons in their first team before joining Fiorentina in 2017.
During his seven-year stay at the Serie A club, Milenkovic made 264 appearances, scoring 17 goals and providing five assists.
Forest have also signed Shae Cahill, the son of former Everton and Australia forward Tim Cahill.
The 19-year-old midfielder most recently played for Brisbane Roar in the A-League and will initially join up with Forest's B team.
He told the club's website: "I'm so happy and excited to start this next chapter with Nottingham Forest. I want to thank everyone at the club and my family for supporting me.
"My goals are to train hard and to dedicate myself to being the best I can be, making both my family and the football club proud."
The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League and 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
