Jota Silva hints at Nottingham Forest stay as Vitor Pereira earns player’s backing

Jota Silva has strongly hinted that he intends to return to Nottingham Forest and compete for a place under Vitor Pereira after an underwhelming loan spell at Besiktas.

The Portuguese forward spent much of last summer seeking a move away from the City Ground in pursuit of more regular first-team football. That search culminated in a dramatic deadline-day collapse of a proposed move to Sporting before he eventually joined Besiktas on loan.

Twelve months later, the situation appears very different.

Speaking to Record, Jota Silva made it clear that his immediate focus is on reporting back to Nottingham Forest for pre-season and attempting to establish himself within Pereira's plans.

The 26-year-old openly admitted that his season in Turkey did not unfold as hoped.

While describing the campaign as an important learning experience, he acknowledged that both he and Besiktas underachieved despite the quality available within the squad.

Jota Silva suggested that the team's problems extended beyond coaching changes and pointed towards a lack of collective leadership when difficulties emerged throughout the season.

Drawing comparisons with his successful spell at Vitória Guimarães, the Forest forward stressed the importance of players taking responsibility rather than relying solely on managers to solve problems.

Those comments reflect a player who appears determined to apply lessons from a frustrating campaign rather than dwell on disappointment.

Perhaps the most significant comments came when Jota Silva addressed his immediate plans.

"I will report for duty and do everything possible to have a great season individually and collectively, whether at Nottingham or another club I represent."

While not an outright declaration that he will remain at Forest beyond the summer, the remarks carry a very different tone from those heard a year ago.

At that stage, concerns over playing time were a major factor behind his desire to leave. Now, there appears to be a greater willingness to fight for opportunities.

The arrival of Pereira may effectively give returning players a clean slate.

Managers often reassess the entire squad during pre-season, and Jota Silva's versatility across the forward line could work in his favour if he impresses during preparations.

However, it remains too early to know whether Forest view him as part of their long-term plans or whether another transfer could emerge later in the window.

For now, though, the player sounds far more focused on earning a place at Nottingham Forest than securing another move away.

Jota Silva is expected to report back for pre-season training with the rest of the Forest squad, where Pereira will assess his options ahead of the new campaign.

The coming weeks should provide greater clarity over whether the Portuguese forward can force his way into the manager's plans or if another loan or permanent transfer becomes the preferred solution. Based on his latest comments, however, the player appears eager to seize a second chance at the City Ground.

Should Nottingham Forest give Jota Silva another opportunity under Vitor Pereira, or would a permanent move be best for both sides?