Nottingham Forest have signed midfielder John Bostock on a season-long loan from Toulouse.
The 27-year-old joined late on transfer deadline day and is the Reds’ 12th signing of the summer window.
The midfielder made 20 appearances for the Ligue 1 side last season, providing one assist.
Bostock returns to English football after a six-year absence, having spent time in the Belgian and French leagues.
Speaking to the club website, the ball-playing midfielder said: “I'm delighted and really happy to be here. It has been a long time away from English football, it has been a heck of a journey for me and one I certainly didn't expect when I left England in 2013.
“I always said that if the right project came along then I'd want to come back home so it was a no-brainer for me when Forest came calling."
The midfielder began his career at Crystal Palace and made his senior debut at just 15 before sealing a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
He made just four appearances for the North London club and spent time on loan with Brentford, Hull City, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Toronto FC, before making the permanent switch to Antwerp.
Nottingham Forest lost 2-1 to West Bromwich Albion on the opening weekend and travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Saturday.
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The Verdict
I’m not completely convinced by this move.
Forest have already got a big squad and, after the additions of Samba Sow and Alfa Semedo, I don’t know if adding another central midfielder was necessary.
Bostock has shown himself a talented player in the past, particularly during his spell in Belgium–where he helped OH Leuven achieve promotion by contributing 13 goals and 19 assists on his way to the Player of the Year award–and in his first season in France–where he was named the Ligue 2 Player of the Year.
However, he has struggled to lock down a regular starting spot over the past two seasons.
As he is only arriving on loan it is a low-risk move, and a fresh chance in English football may be just what he needs to revitalise his career.