Nottingham Forest look set to secure one of Europe's brightest young full-backs, with 20-year-old Givairo Read expected to complete a €25 million move from Feyenoord. The Dutch defender arrives with an exciting reputation and appears perfectly suited to Oliver Glasner's high-intensity tactical approach.
Unlike a traditional right-back, Read thrives when given the freedom to attack. Blessed with explosive pace, excellent dribbling ability and the confidence to drive at defenders, he is at his best operating high up the pitch. His delivery from wide areas has become a major feature of his game, while his energy allows him to recover quickly and contribute defensively when required.
Those qualities make him an ideal fit for Glasner's preferred 3-4-2-1 system. Rather than asking his wing-backs to simply defend, Glasner relies on them to provide width, stretch opposition defences and create overloads in attacking areas. Read's willingness to constantly overlap, combined with his technical quality in possession, should allow Forest to become far more dangerous down the right-hand side.
Competition, however, will be fierce. Ola Aina enjoyed an outstanding campaign and remains one of Forest's most reliable performers. His defensive intelligence, Premier League experience and versatility mean Read will have to earn his place rather than walk straight into the starting XI.
That competition could prove invaluable. Aina offers consistency and composure, while Read brings youthful energy, attacking flair and significant long-term potential. Having two high-quality options capable of performing the demanding wing-back role will be crucial across a long Premier League season.
If the move is completed, Forest will not simply be signing another defender—they will be adding a player whose attributes perfectly match the identity Glasner is aiming to build. At just 20 years old, Givairo Read has all the tools to become one of the Premier League's most exciting wing-backs and a key figure in Nottingham Forest's next chapter.
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