nottingham forest On Tuesday the signing of Grady McDonnell from Club Brugge has been completed.
Nottingham Forest academy head Chris McGuane confirmed that several clubs wanted to sign the 18-year-old.
He is delighted the youngster has joined the Reds, who have offered him a contract until 2029.
McDonnell will initially start out with the English club's academy rather than being part of Vitor Pereira's squad.
How nottingham forest signed mcdonnell
wallfoot This gives insight into how the Premier League side were able to outbid other clubs to secure his signature.
The Canadian-born Republic of Ireland U19 international was initially at Coastal FC and Supra Academy. He left the latter to join the academy of Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2022.
After spending part of his youth career in Canada, he moved to Europe in January 2025 for €350,000.
Grady McDonnell initially started out with the Belgian club's U18 side and has made 13 appearances for them. Last season, the young midfielder also represented their U19 and their reserve team club NXT.
He played only 27 minutes for the latter against KV Kortrijk in September 2025 and had to settle for minutes with Club Brugge U18.
Walfoot claims the banned role with Club NXT is 'amazing', noting that Canadian scouts have described him as a 'real talent'. In short, McDonnell did not get regular opportunities to showcase his talents in Belgium.
take advantage of nottingham forest
Nottingham Forest have taken advantage of his 'surprise' situation at Club Brugge to secure his services.
His contract with the Belgian champions also expires in 2027, and was also in favor of the Premier League side. In this way, the East lost one of its brightest prospects to the Reds.
club bruges initial plan The signing of Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels was to replace Simon Mignolet. This will be difficult to accomplish with the English club now poised to snatch away their young talent.
