"Nottingham could have avoided the deduction of points. "Atletico were ready to lend a hand

On Monday, the English Premier League penalised Nottingham Forest for non-compliance with financial rules to the tune of approximately €40 million, deducting four points from the team in the standings.

Brennan Johnson, Getty images

On the last day of the financial year, i.e. 30 June 2023, Atletico Madrid offered €50 million for young winger Brennan Johnson, but Nottingham wanted another €15 million, which led to the termination of negotiations.

According to Mundo Deportivo, if the Foresters had agreed to Atletico's offer, all the club's financial problems would have been resolved and sanctions would have been avoided.

Interestingly, Nottingham did later sell Johnson to Tottenham for €55 million, but it happened after the financial statements were closed.