Nottingham Forest has finalized the acquisition of Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina in a deal valued at around €15 million. Milenkovic, who played in all three of Serbia’s matches at Euro 2024, has agreed to a five-year contract with Nuno Espirito Santo’s team ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
The 26 year-old is concluding a seven-year tenure with the Italian club, where he made 264 appearances and scored 17 goals across all competitions. Since his debut for Serbia in 2018, Milenkovic has earned 57 caps for his country, participating in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Known for his prowess in aerial duels, Milenkovic has won 112 out of 141 contested aerial battles. Additionally, he possesses the skills to build up play from the back. In the previous Serie A season, he was ranked third for the most successful passes at Fiorentina, trailing only Lucas Martínez Quarta and Arthur.
Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Officer, Ross Wilson, expressed his excitement about Milenkovic’s arrival, stating, “He is a key component of our squad planning this summer, and I am aware of his eagerness to join the club.”
Adding, “We have long been impressed by his performances with the Serbian national team and in Serie A and European competitions for Fiorentina. We are thrilled that he will bring his experience and talents to Nottingham Forest.”
Milenkovic is the fifth addition to Forest’s squad during the transfer window, joining Carlos Miguel, Elliot Anderson, Eric da Silva Moreira, and Marko Stamenic.
