Fulham consider bringing back Jerome Opoku as Nottingham Forest join january race

Fulham are considering a January move to re-sign defender Jerome Opoku, with Nottingham Forest also showing strong interest. According to Africa Foot, the Premier League side have been monitoring their former academy product for several months as he continues to excel in the Turkish Süper Lig with Basaksehir.

Opoku, now 25, has become a standout performer under Nuri Şahin, impressing with his physicality, ball progression and consistency. His rise has caught Fulham’s eye at a moment when Marco Silva’s side are in what the report describes as “urgent need” of defensive reinforcements. A mid-season return to Craven Cottage, where he began his senior career, is increasingly being discussed internally.

But Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest are also pushing. The report claims Dyche has directly recommended Opoku to the recruitment team at the City Ground, seeing him as a potential solution for a Forest back line that has lacked stability in key moments.

With interest already arriving from Everton in the summer, Opoku looks set to become one of January’s most-watched defensive targets.

Opoku left Fulham in 2023 after failing to secure regular minutes, but the club have continued to track his development. His progress in Turkey — as a dominant, well-rounded defender — appears to have reignited interest at a crucial time.

Fulham are expected to strengthen in January, particularly after a string of injuries and inconsistent defensive displays. Opoku’s familiarity with the club, height (1.96m) and strong aerial numbers make him an appealing option who could integrate quickly.

Forest’s involvement adds a competitive edge to the pursuit. Dyche reportedly sees Opoku as the type of defender who suits his system: aggressive in duels, disciplined in a block, and capable of clearing danger under pressure.

Basaksehir rejected an approach from Everton in the last window, suggesting the Turkish side will not sell cheaply. With Opoku under contract until 2027, clubs may need to table significant offers to open negotiations.

From my experience covering both clubs over the last two seasons, Opoku represents two different kinds of opportunity.

For Fulham, he is a familiar profile who could immediately upgrade physical presence in the box — an area the team have struggled with. His comfort in build-up also aligns with Marco Silva’s preference for defenders who can start attacks rather than simply clear danger.

For Forest, he fits Dyche’s defensive identity perfectly. But there is a nuanced challenge: Forest already have multiple left-footed centre-backs, and over-investment in that profile could create balance issues. That’s a detail often overlooked in early transfer chatter.

Still, his blend of athleticism, technical quality and adaptability makes him an attractive signing for both clubs.

Basaksehir know Opoku’s value is rising. With two and a half years left on his deal, this January represents the period where his price is highest before entering the final two seasons of his contract.

If Fulham or Forest want him as a long-term option rather than a summer bargain attempt, moving early gives them the advantage — particularly with Premier League clubs also circling the Süper Lig market for mid-season defensive reinforcements.

Opoku’s future is expected to become one of the dominant January transfer narratives. Fulham and Forest will likely make early enquiries, but Basaksehir’s valuation will dictate whether a Premier League return becomes feasible.

👉 Fulham & Forest fans — would Opoku be a starter for your club right now?