AliousNuno Espirito Santo has exceeded expectations at Nottingham Forest this season, and much of the club’s success can be attributed to their smart moves during the summer transfer window. Among the standout additions is centre-back Nikola Milenkovic, who has been instrumental in Forest’s rise up the Premier League table. His impact was on full display during Forest’s victory over Aston Villa, where he scored the equalizing goal and solidified his status as a key figure in the squad.
Milenkovic isn’t the only new arrival making waves. Midfielder Elliot Anderson, signed from Newcastle United, has also drawn praise, including from pundits like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. Anderson has already contributed five assists this season, becoming an essential playmaker for the team. However, it’s Milenkovic who has captured the most attention.
### How Forest Secured Milenkovic
The Serbian defender joined Forest from Fiorentina in July and has been turning heads ever since. His commanding performances have impressed football analysts like Jamie Carragher, who have highlighted his dominance in defense. Milenkovic’s ability to win aerial duels and his strength in set-piece situations have proven invaluable, especially considering Forest conceded a league-high 22 goals from set-pieces last season.
According to **The Telegraph**, Forest’s recruitment team identified Milenkovic as their top defensive target for two key reasons: his prowess in aerial battles—he won the most aerial duels in Serie A—and his adaptability as a right-sided defender to pair with Murillo. His standout performance in the Europa Conference League final against Olympiacos, another club owned by Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis, further convinced Forest to act decisively.
The club combined advanced analytics with firsthand scouting to seal the deal, a strategy that has paid off remarkably. Former Forest defender Kelvin Wilson praised Milenkovic for his defensive set-piece work, emphasizing how shrewd the club’s recruitment team was in identifying his strengths and fitting him into the squad.
### The Bargain of the Season?
The financial details of the Milenkovic transfer have added to the intrigue. Initially, Fiorentina set a £20 million price tag on the defender, but Marinakis and his team negotiated a significantly lower fee. When the transfer was completed in July, reports suggested Forest had paid £12 million. However, **The Telegraph** has now revealed the fee was even lower—just £10 million.
This incredible value for a player of Milenkovic’s caliber has sparked admiration for Marinakis’ negotiating skills. The deal is being hailed as one of the best bargains in recent Premier League history, especially given Milenkovic’s role in helping Forest climb to fourth in the table.
### A Smart Strategy Paying Dividends
Milenkovic’s arrival is a testament to Nottingham Forest’s evolving recruitment strategy, which combines data-driven analysis with traditional scouting. His integration into the team has been seamless, and his defensive contributions have addressed one of Forest’s biggest weaknesses from last season.
As the team continues to thrive under Nuno Espirito Santo, fans and analysts alike are lauding Marinakis and his team for their calculated risk-taking and exceptional eye for talent. With Milenkovic’s performances making headlines and Forest in contention for European qualification, the Serbian’s signing is not just a statement of intent—it could be the foundation of a new era at the City Ground.
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