Nottingham Forest Secures Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca on Loan Deal
Nottingham Forest has finalized a loan deal for forward Lorenzo Lucca from Napoli. This agreement includes an option to purchase Lucca for approximately €40 million. The 25-year-old is set to fly from Naples to Nottingham for a medical examination.
Lorenzo Lucca’s Recent Performance
Lucca has had a challenging season at Napoli, making 16 appearances in Serie A but scoring only once. He has played 595 minutes across 23 games this season and has scored twice. Last season, while on loan at Udinese, he demonstrated his potential by netting 14 goals in 36 matches.
Nottingham Forest’s Striker Dilemma
This signing comes at a crucial time for Nottingham Forest, as they have struggled with goal-scoring. Their top scorer from last season, Chris Wood, is currently sidelined with a knee injury. Forest has been exploring striker options and had previously considered Iran international Mehdi Taremi.
Lucca’s Fit with Forest
Despite Lucca’s modest scoring record at Napoli, his physical presence makes him a suitable fit for Forest. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, he can contribute effectively in aerial duels, particularly as Forest has struggled to capitalize on their crossing attempts. They hold the highest number of crosses in the league (532) but rank low in cross completion.
- Loan Details: Lucca joins on loan with an option to buy for €40 million.
- Performance Stats:
- Serie A 2023-24: 1 goal in 16 appearances.
- Last season at Udinese: 14 goals in 36 matches.
- Forest’s Goal Challenges:
- Last season’s top scorer Chris Wood is injured.
- Forest has scored only five goals from 532 crosses.
- Forest ranks at the bottom for goals scored this season.
Conclusion
As Nottingham Forest integrates Lorenzo Lucca into their squad, they anticipate he will help remedy their scoring woes. With his physicality and prior scoring capabilities, Lucca could provide the much-needed boost to a team in search of goals.