Anderlecht chief executive Jesper Fredberg has revealed Hendrik van Crombrugge turned down a move to Nottingham Forest in January.
According to The Sun, Forest reportedly struck a £1.5 million agreement to sign the goalkeeper last month, with Steve Cooper in the market for a new shot stopper with number one Dean Henderson on the sidelines injured. Of course, Forest were able to sign an excellent alternative in the form of three-time Champions League winner Keylor Navas, who joined on loan from PSG on deadline day.
Navas made his Forest debut in the 1-0 win over Leeds United on Sunday, with his first half display crucial in securing the three points thanks to a number of excellent saves. But van Crombrugge himself is also an experienced 'keeper and would've provided Henderson with some healthy competition had he decided to make the move.
READ MORE: Patrick Bamford pays 'most thoughtful' tribute to Nigel Doughty as Nottingham Forest host Leeds
READ MORE: Keylor Navas reveals how Nottingham Forest debut changed his thoughts on football after PSG
The 29-year-old is Anderlecht's captain and speaking in an interview with La Derniere Heure, CEO Fredberg detailed how it was van Crombrugge's personal decision not to make the switch to the City Ground.
“Hendrik himself chose not to go to the Premier League," he said. "As managers, we can try to find solutions, but we cannot decide for the players. That’s just how it is. Hendrik is a good boy, and we are happy with him as a keeper.”
Forest's failed pursuit of van Crombrugge was one of two deals between the clubs that collapsed in January, with Harry Toffolo having gone close to moving the other way. Fredberg admitted he was left feeling very frustrated after the transfer for the Forest left back fell through.
He said: “When you go to the transfer market, you have a plan. I think we succeeded on some points. But there are others where we didn’t, because of different circumstances.
“[Missing out on Toffolo is] a problem in my opinion. He had the perfect characteristics to fill a gap that we had. I was very annoyed that it didn’t happen.”
What do you make of the failed Toffolo move? Have your say in the comments section...
READ NEXT:
- Furious Leeds United fans take out anger on City Ground car park after Nottingham Forest defeat
- Pundit says Nottingham Forest 'got away with' it against Leeds United
- 'Having trouble' - Jesse Marsch delivers Nottingham Forest verdict amid fears over Leeds United job
- Jesse Marsch told 'get out our club' after Leeds United lose to Nottingham Forest
- Morgan Gibbs-White makes fitness admission after Nottingham Forest beat Leeds United
