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Wolverhampton Wanderers appear to be losing ground in their pursuit of Brazilian forward Romulo Cardoso, with the Göztepe SK striker reportedly leaning toward a move to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest.
Both Midlands clubs are actively searching for attacking reinforcements this summer, aiming to bolster their options up front ahead of a demanding 2025–26 campaign. While Wolves boss Vitor Pereira and Forest’s Nuno Espirito Santo currently rely on established No. 9s — Jorgen Strand Larsen and Chris Wood, respectively — both managers are pushing for fresh firepower.
Romulo, 23, has attracted significant interest after a standout season in Turkey’s Super Lig, where he notched 13 goals and provided nine assists in just 29 appearances for a Göztepe side that secured an eighth-place finish.
Forest Edge Ahead Thanks to European Incentive
According to CNN Türk, Romulo has signaled his intent to join Forest over Wolves, reportedly giving the “green light” to a potential move to the City Ground. Forest’s involvement in European competition, with the club set to participate in the UEFA Conference League, is said to be a decisive factor in Romulo’s preference.
Talks between Forest and Göztepe have reportedly intensified as the Premier League outfit looks to determine the financial parameters of a potential deal. Despite Romulo having three years left on his contract, a transfer this summer is increasingly likely, particularly as interest builds from across Europe.
Premier League and Beyond Watching Closely
Romulo’s name is now firmly on the radar of several top clubs across the continent. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, Serie A’s Roma, Ligue 1 contenders Monaco, Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon, as well as Ajax, Feyenoord, and Anderlecht are all reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Strategic Signing for Forest?
While Chris Wood delivered an impressive 20-goal season in the Premier League, Forest are mindful of the need to manage his workload — especially if they advance beyond the Conference League’s early stages. At 33, Wood may see his minutes reduced in European fixtures, creating an opening for a younger, high-potential striker like Romulo to step in.
Romulo’s physical profile and goal-scoring instincts could make him a natural rotation option or even a long-term successor to the veteran New Zealander. With Taiwo Awoniyi sidelined due to a recent abdominal injury, Forest’s need for attacking depth has only become more urgent.
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