Nottingham Forest

Burke money to strengthen squad says under-fire Forest owner

Nottingham Forest owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi has assured Reds supporters that the £13 million transfer fee from the sale of Oliver Burke will be “reinvested back into the squad”.

Al-Hasawi has been forced to defend his decision to sanction the sale of acclaimed 19-year-old winger Oliver Burke to newly-promoted Bundesliga outfit Red Bull Leipzig.

Commenting for the first time since Burke’s departure, Al-Hasawi firmly asserted via Twitter that the hefty transfer fee received for Burke’s services would be used to purchase players.

Burke first surged to prominence during multiple first team appearances in the 2015/16 season, before bursting into the national limelight after a string of impressive performances to begin the 2016/17 Championship campaign.

After bagging three goals in consecutive victories at home to Wigan and Leeds in the past week, both Forest supporters and new Reds boss Phillippe Montanier had hoped the Midlands club would retain Burke’s services past the end of the summer transfer window.

However, the 19-year-old sealed his transfer to RB Leipzig only hours after Montanier stated he was “confident that he will stay” when questioned over Burke’s immediate future with Forest.

After receiving immense criticism on social media following Burke’s departure, Reds owner Al-Hasawi confidently explained on Twitter the club’s plan to utilise the funds to strengthen the squad. In addition, Al-Hasawi tried to instill calm by noting a successful example of reinvested money after player sales under his guise.

Following the departure of star players Karl Darlow and Jamaal Lascelles for a combined £7 million to Newcastle United in August 2014, Forest immediately landed the signings of Michail Antonio and Britt Assombalonga, who duly formed a formidable attacking partnership during the 2014-15 season.

However, with only three days before the transfer window slams shut, Al-Hasawi will have to act fast in order to acquire the promised incomings and to fill the void left following Oliver Burke’s departure from the City Ground.

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