Fulham have confirmed that Cyrus Christie has been released by the club, amid links with a return to Nottingham Forest.
The defender previously spent the 2020/21 season on loan with the Reds, where he made 44 league appearances and contributed five assists. Christie had been linked with making a permanent move to the City Ground but stayed with Fulham, before spending the second of the campaign on loan at Swansea City.
The 29-year-old operated as wingback for the Welsh side and registered three goals and five assists across 23 games. However, Fulham have confirmed that the Republic of Ireland international’s contract has expired, with the full-back helping the club to win two play-off finals during his four-and-a-half years at Craven Cottage.
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It was claimed earlier this month that Forest had put Christie on a ‘list’ of potential targets, ahead of the summer transfer window. However, it was reported that Steve Cooper’s side would face competition for his signature from Watford and loan club Swansea, as well as Turkish sides Konyaspor and Fenerbahce.
Swansea boss Russell Martin previously stated that he hoped to sign both Christie and fellow loanee Hannes Wolf on a permanent basis. “They both want to stay," he said. “It'll come down to finances. Both have sacrificed finance this year to come which shows their character.
“We'll need to do it again and I'm not convinced we'll get to where we need to get to. We'll have to really look at it and make a decision on that really soon on how far we're willing to go."
Christie has spoken about his desire to return to the Premier League, having played for Fulham during the 2018/19 season. Forest will hope to be able to offer all potential targets the prospect of top-flight football, ahead of this weekend’s play-off final
"I can reach the Premier League again. I want to get back there,” Christie told The Athletic . “It didn't go to plan last time but you can't be scared of going back there. I'm in a good place, physically and mentally doing really well. I feel fit, I'd love to be in somewhere and get a full pre-season. Now it's time to kick on."
