‘I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!’ PUNDITS REACTS AS FOREST AGREE 26m DEAL WITH PALMEIRES TO RE-SIGN EX-FOREST STAR BACK TO CITY GROUND ON THE DEADLINE DAY
‘I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!’ Pundits React as Forest Agree £26m Deal with Palmeiras to Re-Sign Ex-Forest Star Ramón Sosa on Deadline Day
Nottingham Forest have sent shockwaves through the Premier League on deadline day after agreeing a sensational £26 million deal with Palmeiras to bring Ramón Sosa back to the City Ground, just months after the winger left England for Brazil. The late-night move has stunned supporters, rival clubs and television pundits alike, with one ex-international summing up the mood in three words live on air: “I can’t believe this.”
Forest’s decision to re-sign Sosa represents one of the boldest U-turns of the transfer window. After an underwhelming first spell in Nottingham during the 2024–2025 campaign, where he managed just one goal in 19 appearances, few expected the Paraguayan international to return so quickly. Yet Forest’s hierarchy have moved decisively, convinced that Sosa’s recent development in South America has transformed him into the player they originally believed they were signing.
Sosa, now 25, has had a nomadic career path. From River Plate to Olimpia, Gimnasia LP and Talleres, his reputation grew steadily in Argentina, particularly during the 2023–2024 season where he registered 14 goals in 48 games and became one of the most exciting wide attackers in the league. That form earned him a move to Nottingham Forest, but adaptation issues, tactical uncertainty and limited confidence meant his Premier League adventure never truly ignited.
A switch to Palmeiras in 2025 appeared to close the chapter on Sosa’s English ambitions. However, his 23 appearances and three goals in Brazil, combined with noticeably sharper performances and improved decision-making, have caught Forest’s attention once again. Club insiders believe his time at Palmeiras has matured him both mentally and physically, convincing manager and recruitment staff that he is now ready to make a genuine impact in the Premier League.
The reaction from pundits has been instant and explosive. Former Forest striker turned analyst Gary Holt described the deal as “high risk, high drama,” adding that Forest are “either about to look very clever or very foolish.” Another television pundit questioned the logic of paying £26 million for a player the club recently allowed to leave, while others argued that modern football increasingly rewards clubs brave enough to admit past mistakes and act fast to correct them.
From Forest’s perspective, the move is about belief rather than pride. The club see Sosa as a tactical fit for their current system, offering direct pace, pressing intensity and the ability to stretch defences from wide areas. With Forest battling to establish consistency in the league, the coaching staff believe his explosiveness can add unpredictability to their attack during the decisive second half of the season.
Fans, as expected, are divided. Social media erupted within minutes of the deal breaking, with some supporters calling it “madness” and others praising the club’s ambition. One popular fan account wrote that Sosa’s return feels like “a Hollywood reboot nobody saw coming,” while another insisted that “this time he has no excuses.” The debate has driven huge online engagement, reflecting how emotionally charged the transfer has become.
There is also a financial angle that has raised eyebrows. Spending £26 million on deadline day is a statement from Forest’s ownership that survival and progression in the Premier League remain the priority. Critics argue the funds could have been used to strengthen multiple areas, but supporters of the deal counter that match-winners are priceless in relegation battles.
Sosa himself is said to be enthusiastic about the return, viewing it as unfinished business. Those close to the player suggest he feels he let himself down during his first stint and is determined to prove his worth to the Forest faithful. Sources indicate he has already spoken with the manager about his role, fitness expectations and tactical responsibilities, all signs of a more focused and confident individual.
Whether this dramatic reunion will be remembered as a masterstroke or a costly gamble remains to be seen. What is certain is that Nottingham Forest have once again made themselves the centre of attention on deadline day. In a window full of cautious deals and quiet loans, Forest have delivered chaos, controversy and conversation.
As one stunned pundit concluded moments after the announcement, shaking his head in disbelief, “This is why deadline day never disappoints.”
