Ibrahim Sangare signs new Nottingham Forest contract until 2029

Ibrahim Sangare has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at Nottingham Forest.

It is a major boost at the start of the new era under head coach Oliver Glasner to see the influential midfielder commit his future to the club.

Sangare, 28, was regarded as a landmark signing when he joined from PSV Eindhoven for £30million ($39.9m; €35.1m at current rates) in September 2023, with senior figures at the club believing he could be a transformative figure in the centre of the pitch.

He has gone on to make 55 starts and 23 substitute appearances in all competitions for Forest, scoring two goals.

Sangare is an Ivory Coast international who has won 58 international caps, which include appearances in all four of his country’s games at this summer’s World Cup. The nation were eliminated in the round of 32 following a 21 defeat to Norway.

Forest sold Elliot Anderson to Manchester City for £116m during the tournament and seeing another of their key midfielders agree to extend his stay at the City Ground is an important step.

“It’s a good moment for me to thank the fans. Last season wasn’t always easy, but they were always with us and I have always felt their support,” said Sangare in a club statement. “It’s been three years here and it has become a family for me. I’m really looking forward to working with the new coach.”

Chief football officer, George Syrianos, said: “Ibra plays an important role in the team, he has the respect of his teammates and has a good understanding of what it means to represent Forest.I know he shares our ambition to make sure this club continues to move forward.”

‘An important figure’ at Forest

Forest have signed Xaver Schlager as a free agent from RB Leipzig following the end of his contract this summer, and they continue their pursuit of Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, who they regard as being a potential replacement for England midfielder Anderson.

Sangare is a different player to both men but is also an important figure, with his physical presence and ability to move Forest up the pitch with purpose.

Schlager is likely to become a big influence under Glasner, with the two men having previously worked together at Wolfsburg.

But Sangare is also regarded as being a key member of the Forest team and tying him to a new deal is a positive step.

Forest have no plans to sell any other of their biggest players, including the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo and Neco Williams.