Nottingham Forest have reportedly decided against signing Lorenzo Lucca permanently following his disappointing loan spell from S.S.C. Napoli.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Forest have already communicated their decision to Napoli ahead of the summer transfer window, meaning the striker is now expected to return to Italy at the end of the season.
Nottingham Forest reject permanent Lorenzo Lucca deal
Lucca joined Nottingham Forest on loan during the January transfer window in a move that included an option to buy.
However, the Italian striker has struggled badly to establish himself since arriving in England.
The 25-year-old has managed just one goal across nine appearances and only 361 total minutes during his spell at the City Ground.
Having followed Forest’s attacking struggles closely during the second half of the season, Lucca never appeared fully trusted within the squad rotation and failed to generate consistent momentum after an encouraging debut.
Italian reports now state Forest have formally informed Napoli they will not activate the purchase clause included in the agreement.
That leaves Napoli searching for a new destination for the striker this summer.
Bologna move emerging again for Napoli striker
A return elsewhere in Serie A already appears increasingly likely.
Bologna FC 1909 are once again being linked strongly after previously attempting to sign Lucca before his move to Nottingham Forest.
Tuttomercatoweb describe Bologna’s earlier interest as “subtle but very concrete”, with the club remaining admirers of the striker despite his struggles in England.
The Rossoblù may first need to generate funds through player sales before advancing discussions.
Reports in Italy suggest Bologna are prepared to listen to offers for Thijs Dallinga as they attempt to recover part of the €15m invested in the Dutch forward last summer.
That potential exit could reopen space for Lucca inside Bologna’s attacking plans.
| Lorenzo Lucca at Nottingham Forest | Record |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Total minutes played | 361 |
| Premier League starts | 4 |
source: competition statistics – 15 May 2026
Nottingham Forest spell failed to deliver
Lucca’s move to Forest increasingly looks like a transfer that simply never settled tactically or physically.
The striker struggled to adapt to the pace and intensity of the Premier League and never secured a prolonged run in the starting side.
Injuries and wider instability around Forest’s squad during the second half of the campaign also complicated his adaptation period further.
From Napoli’s perspective, finding a permanent buyer could prove difficult given the club originally invested around €34m to sign the striker.
That valuation is unlikely to be matched after such an underwhelming spell in England.
What’s next?
Napoli are expected to explore several Serie A options for Lucca during the summer market, with Bologna currently appearing one of the strongest possibilities.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will continue assessing attacking reinforcements after deciding against turning Lucca’s loan into a permanent move.
The striker now faces an important summer for his career after a difficult Premier League experience that failed to accelerate his development as hoped.
Would Lorenzo Lucca benefit from returning to Serie A immediately, or does he deserve another chance outside Italy?
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