Pablo Maffeo’s failed transfer to Nottingham Forest has left the defender frustrated, with Cope reporting that his displeasure in training forced Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate to send him off the pitch this week.
Forest were seriously interested in the 28-year-old and lodged an improved €5m plus €1.5m bonuses bid in July, after an initial approach in June. Maffeo was keen on the switch to the Premier League, but negotiations broke down when Forest refused to meet Mallorca’s €8m valuation.
Arrasate later confirmed the player’s desire to leave, while Mallorca fans themselves urged Maffeo to move on during the final home game of last season. With talks stalled and the window nearing its end, tensions have escalated.
Why the Move Collapsed
Forest viewed Maffeo as a low-cost solution at right-back, but Nuno Espírito Santo’s side wouldn’t stretch to €8m. Mallorca, determined not to sell on the cheap, rejected the offers.
The breakdown has now created friction in Palma. According to Cope, Maffeo’s frustration at not securing his move has been evident in training, culminating in Arrasate dismissing him on Wednesday due to “attitude and a minor discomfort.”
Arrasate on the Situation
While stressing there was no major bust-up, Mallorca’s manager clearly signalled his unhappiness with the defender’s approach:
“Maffeo’s displeasure at not being able to leave is evident in training… I asked him to leave early because of his attitude and a minor discomfort.” — via Cope
Pablo Maffeo 2024/25 Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Pablo Maffeo |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% |
source: sofascore match data – 21 August 2025
Maffeo played 30 times in La Liga last season, registering two assists. His 84% pass accuracy underlined his reliability in possession, while his defensive work rate made him one of Mallorca’s more consistent performers.
Analyst Verdict
Maffeo’s frustration is understandable. At 28, this may have been his best chance to secure a Premier League move, and Nottingham Forest offered him that opportunity. Reviewing his season, his aggressive overlapping and solid one-v-one defending would have suited Nuno’s system well.
For Mallorca, the risk now is carrying an unhappy player into the season. Arrasate’s public handling suggests the club are eager to resolve the situation — but unless Forest return late in the window, Maffeo may be stuck in limbo.
Key Insights
- Nottingham Forest bid €5m + €1.5m rejected by Mallorca.
- Club wanted €8m for Maffeo — negotiations collapsed.
- Player’s frustration visible in training.
- Arrasate asked him to leave session early.
- Mallorca fans also urged his exit in May.
What’s Next
With the Premier League window closing soon, Forest may yet return if they fail to land other defensive targets. Maffeo’s willingness to move makes any renewed approach straightforward, provided Mallorca lower their price.
If no deal materialises, Mallorca will have to manage the fallout of keeping an unsettled player in the squad — a delicate task for Arrasate as he tries to keep focus on the season ahead.
Should Nottingham Forest return with an improved bid for Pablo Maffeo — or look elsewhere at right-back?
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