Nottingham Forest Targeting Premier League Midfield Ace: Why This Makes Sense

As per one of the latest reports by Chronicle Live, Nottingham Forest are keen to prise Newcastle United’s veteran midfielder, Jack Colback, out of St. James’ Park permanently in the summer. Colback was signed by the Tricky Trees on loan from the ranks of the Magpies during the January transfer window and he certainly had a notable impact under the tutelage of Aitor Karanka.

Colback has been serially overlooked by Rafael Benitez at Newcastle United and there is no denying that the Englishman doesn’t have any future with the Premier League outfit as long as Benitez remains at the helm. The 28-year-old was made to train with the Under-23s at the Geordies’ academy last year and was told that he was surplus to the requirements of the club.

His career derailed during the first six months of the season and on transfer deadline day in January this year, he moved to the City Ground. Although the former Sunderland midfielder failed to make even a single appearance for Newcastle United during the first half of the season, he adjusted himself perfectly at Nottingham.

Colback garnered 16 starts to his name in the Championship and found the back of the net on one occasion. He made 2.7 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game on an average and mustered a terrific pass completion rate of 89.6%. He was instrumental in Forest’s pursuits in the English second division during the second-half of the season and no wonder Karanka is keen to sign him permanently.

He might not have the ingredients of being a show-stopper but he is a hard worker on the pitch and knits the side together as a unit with his passing and composure in midfield. Besides, he holds the ball well which allows the attacking players to move forward and his incisive passing helps create a number of chances for his team. The truckloads of experience he has under his belt came into play during his loan spell with the Reds and he showed that he hasn’t become an obsolete asset yet.

As far as Colback is concerned, a permanent move should appeal to him personally and there is no denying that he has won the hearts of a lot of Nottingham Forest fans. He has one year left on his contract with Newcastle United but given that his future at the Tyneside isn’t likely to do him any good, he might fancy moving a step down the ladder and ply his trade in the Championship as a permanent player for Nottingham Forest next season.

Statistics Credits: WhoScored