Mallorca boss Jagoba Arrasate says Pablo Maffeo is “frustrated” after Nottingham Forest talks collapsed — but insists the defender remains fully committed for now.
Nottingham Forest have pulled out of transfer talks for Pablo Maffeo, after Mallorca refused to lower their €8m valuation, according to multiple Spanish outlets.
Forest were pushing for a deal closer to €5m plus €1.5m in bonuses, but the La Liga club held firm, ending negotiations. The right-back, who had been keen on the Premier League switch, is now expected to remain in Spain — at least for now.
Mallorca Boss: “Maffeo Is a Warrior”
Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate broke his silence on the situation this week, revealing that while the player was disappointed, he remains focused and professional:
“Maffeo is a warrior. He felt left out because there was an important offer from a league he liked — but he’ll turn it around. He’s important here, just like last season.” — Jagoba Arrasate to Diario de Mallorca
The 28-year-old featured in a recent pre-season fixture, a sign that Mallorca are ready to reintegrate him into their plans.
Pablo Maffeo’s verified stats for the 2024/25 La Liga season:
| Stat (2024/25) | Pablo Maffeo |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 (28 starts) |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Key Passes / Chances Created | 29 |
Maffeo featured in 30 league games, starting 28 of them
He scored no goals, but provided 2 assists during the campaign
According to FootyStats, he delivered 29 key passes, equating to roughly 1.10 key passes per 90 minutes, contributing significantly to chance creation
Why Forest Walked Away from the Deal
Forest had identified Maffeo as a top target this summer but were unwilling to overpay. With talks stalling over valuation, the club decided to pull out — possibly to refocus their attention on other full-back options before deadline day.
Mallorca’s sporting director Pablo Ortells had already reduced the asking price from €10m to €8m, but refused to go any lower.
Analyst Verdict
Pablo Maffeo remains one of La Liga’s most tenacious right-backs — a gritty, high-work-rate defender whose numbers don’t always reflect his true impact. While his attacking output was modest in 2024/25 (2 assists, 0 goals), Maffeo’s real value lies in his positional discipline, aggressive pressing, and one-v-one duels. For clubs like Nottingham Forest seeking defensive stability and tactical consistency, Maffeo could be a reliable option — especially if signed at a reduced fee due to his contract situation.
However, question marks remain around his attacking contribution, especially in a Premier League setup that demands full-backs who can deliver in the final third. If Forest reignite interest, they may need to pair Maffeo with a more offensive alternative on the opposite flank to balance the system.
Key Insights
- Pablo Maffeo made 30 La Liga appearances in 2024/25, starting 28 matches.
- His 29 key passes demonstrate solid chance creation for a full-back.
- Talks with Nottingham Forest collapsed, but the player remains open to a move.
- Mallorca value Maffeo’s mentality — but also expect firm offers if he is to leave.
- Forest may revisit negotiations if they miss other full-back targets in coming weeks.
What’s Next for Pablo Maffeo?
Maffeo remains under contract at Mallorca and is currently training with the squad in Austria. Sources suggest Forest may revisit the deal later in the window if they fail to land other defensive reinforcements.
But for now, the Spanish defender will stay put — even if he was visibly frustrated by how things played out.
Should Forest have paid more to land Maffeo — or were they right to move on?
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