Nottingham Forest have moved to sign Joao Carvalho and Diogo Goncalves ahead of the new Sky Bet Championship season.   

An announcement came from Forest yesterday afternoon that the Benfica duo would be arriving at the City Ground ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, as Aitor Karanka makes his first big move of the summer.

Carvalho, an attacking midfielder, has arrived in Nottingham for a club-record fee, with the 21-year-old agreeing a five-year with the Reds, which will begin at the start of July.

Goncalves, also 21, has joined Forest on a season-long loan from Benfica, with the Championship club having the option to sign the winger on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019.

Both players arrive at Forest ready for their first taste of English football.

Carvalho featured on eight occasions last season for Benfica, including once in the Champions League, whilst Goncalves made 11 appearances and also featured in the Champions League.

The duo become Karanka’s second and third summer signings, after the Spaniard also moved to add Michael Dawson to his squad earlier in the summer.

Dawson will arrive back at the City Ground as a free agent following his release from Hull City.

The Verdict

This is a huge statement of intent from Forest, with Karanka’s summer plans really taking off.

In the last 12 months, we have seen Wolves have huge success on the back of deals like this, which will really encourage Forest’s supporters ahead of the new season.

Of course, Carvalho and Goncalves alone will not guide Forest into promotion contention, but with solid players around them, the impressive duo will have a chance to shine.

It’s been a great start to the summer for Forest.

Nottingham Forest fans… Let us know your thoughts!