Lewis Dunk rejected Nottingham Forest move despite attractive offer

Nottingham Forest’s January transfer window ended with a sense of unfinished business after new details emerged over a failed move for Brighton defender Lewis Dunk.

Forest were actively exploring defensive reinforcements late in the window and reignited long-standing interest in Dunk as they looked to bolster Sean Dyche’s squad for the second half of the season. The England international has been admired at the City Ground for some time, with initial links dating back to last summer.

Early indications suggested Brighton & Hove Albion had no intention of selling a player who has spent his entire professional career on the south coast. However, a fresh report has since complicated that picture.

According to the Daily Mail, Brighton were in fact prepared to accept a bid from Forest for Dunk before the deadline passed. The move ultimately collapsed not because of club resistance, but due to the player’s own decision.

Dunk was permitted to hold discussions with Forest and was presented with what The Argus described as a “financially attractive” contract offer. The proposed deal would have kept the 34-year-old at the City Ground until 2028, underlining the seriousness of Forest’s intent.

Despite the terms on offer, Dunk is said to have declined the move, choosing instead to remain committed to Brighton. Having followed his career closely, loyalty has long been a defining trait, and the defender reportedly had no desire to walk away mid-season from a club he continues to captain.

With the Dunk deal falling through, Forest moved on to alternative targets and completed three signings before deadline day. Striker Lorenzo Lucca, goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and left-back Luca Netz all arrived to add depth and balance to Dyche’s squad.

However, Forest were unable to secure a midfielder or an additional forward, both of which had been identified as priorities internally. Dyche acknowledged throughout January that the market was particularly difficult, especially when trying to add proven Premier League quality.

“The balance of the group on the whole is OK,” Dyche said after the window closed. “If we could have strengthened further, we would, but it is not easy to get deals over the line.”

He added: “There were a number of situations we felt we could operate in. But I did say before the window that actually getting deals done is not an easy process.”

From Forest’s perspective, the appeal of Dunk was clear. Experience, leadership and reliability were all seen as assets for a side navigating a demanding league campaign. At 34, the defender would not have represented a long-term rebuild piece, but rather an immediate stabilising presence.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about whether Forest will return for him. Much will depend on Brighton’s summer plans, Dunk’s own outlook, and Forest’s league position when the season concludes.

Forest are due to travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton on Sunday, 1 March 2026, a fixture that may now carry extra intrigue given how close the clubs came to doing business.

Forest will now focus on integrating their January arrivals as they push through the second half of the season. Defensive solidity remains a priority, particularly away from home, and performance levels over the coming weeks will shape summer recruitment plans.

A renewed move for Dunk in the off-season is possible, but only if circumstances change on both sides. For now, Forest must work with what they have, while the Brighton captain prepares to face familiar admirers next month.

Should Forest return for Lewis Dunk in the summer, or look for a younger defensive option?