Sporting loses out on Premier League sensation after agonizing deadline blunder
Jota Silva’s anticipated loan transfer from Nottingham Forest to Sporting Lisbon dramatically collapsed right after the transfer window shut, sources close to talkSPORT confirm. The Portuguese winger, who was set to join Sporting on loan with a compulsory purchase clause, saw his move unravel as deadlines passed by mere seconds.
Negotiations between Sporting and Forest had been underway for several weeks, with Sporting eager to bring the 26-year-old back to Portugal. Despite the Lisbon club’s preference for a loan arrangement, Forest initially sought a permanent transfer, having brought Jota in from Vitoria Guimaraes the previous summer.
On deadline day, the two clubs finally reached an agreement for a loan deal. The terms included a £3.9 million initial fee and an obligation for Sporting to buy Jota for £13.5 million at the end of the season. According to sources, the agreement was finalised around 11pm local time, leaving just an hour before the window closed.
Despite the breakthrough, Sporting failed to register the winger before the midnight cut-off. The deal fell apart in the final seconds, leaving Jota at Nottingham Forest despite both parties’ intentions. The collapse has left the player frustrated, particularly after missing a return to his home country.
Jota, who has three years left on his Forest contract, has made 38 appearances in all competitions since his arrival in 2024, notching four goals and three assists. However, he has featured only briefly this season, coming off the bench for an 11-minute cameo against Brentford last month.
Since then, manager Nuno Espirito Santo has left Jota out of the squad for Forest’s subsequent two Premier League fixtures. The winger is reportedly not interested in staying at the City Ground following the failed transfer.
With several international markets still open, Jota’s situation remains fluid. The transfer windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia close on September 11 and 10, respectively. Saudi Pro League club Neom SC are understood to be keen on bringing Jota in on loan with a future purchase option and are preparing an approach before their deadline.
